WING CHUN

Wing Chun is logical, scientific, yet simple Chinese martial art system which was developed purely for practical and effective self-defence alongside fitness for people of all ages. It is a result oriented martial art known for its efficiency and economy of movement which was developed for survival, self-defence and damage limitation, rather than purely for attack. Wing Chun's simple and direct short range simultaneous attack and defence hand techniques, its use of only low kicks and its simple but evasive footwork, combined with its logical and scientific methodology, are the reason it is fast becoming one of the most popular Chinese martial arts around the world. It emphasises and utilises natural and efficient body mechanics, eliminating the necessity to use and rely on size and strength and is therefore suitable for anybody, regardless of age, gender or physique.

Historically it is said to have been developed in Southern China by a Buddhist nun, Ng Mui, refined and later made famous in Hong Kong by a fifty year old slightly built gentleman, Yip Man, and then finally brought to the world's attention by a young Chinese Film star, Bruce Lee. Often referred to as 'Hong Kong street fighting', Wing Chun is often classed as a 'soft style' because of the minimal effort or physical force required to overcome larger, stronger opponents.

The late Grandmaster Yip Man (1893 - 1972) trained and taught until his death at the age of 79, his eldest son and current Wing Chun Grandmaster, Ip Chun was born in 1925, he is 5 feet 2 inches and weighs 108 lbs. 

Today, when he is not touring the world giving seminars, he still teaches every day and and can train and play Chi Sao for over four hours non-stop controlling, dominating and wearing out much bigger, fitter students a third his age. 
The Wing Chun principles of conservation of energy and momentum whilst borrowing the momentum and energy of the opponent, and doing the minimum amount of work mean that size, fitness, age or sex are of little consequence; 

"Wing Chun can be trained equally by all." 

Incorporated within the Siu Nim Tao form are breathing exercises commonly called 'Chi Kung' or 'Hay Gung' meaning breathing energy. This breathing exercise helps us control our cardiovascular metabolic rate as well as detoxify and then store fresh energy in our bodies. The breathing influences the bodies bio-electrical balances, just as diet influences its bio-chemical balance, hence this is taught at an early stage. According to the Taoist view the nutrition provided by air through correct breathing is more important to life, health and longevity than that provided by food or water. 

"You can live two months without food and two weeks without water, but only a few minutes without air"