What additional benefits do the Wing Chun system provide over other Self-defense systems?

• Short learning curve
• Fast, focused and direct
• Scientific use of body mechanics to deliver and overcome force
• Economy of motion
• Trains the body to be soft and relaxed

What was the design philosophy of the Wing Chun system?

The Wing Chun system was originally designed to quickly train fighters to rebel against the Ching government.  The Chings were a Manchurian government which controlled China during the 1600s.  The Wing Chun system focused on counter-fighting principles rather than offensive abilities.  Wing Chun focuses on use of aggressive close-quarter fighting techniques which is ideal in tight spaces.

Who should learn the Wing Chun system?

Wing Chun is an extremely effective and simple self defense system.  The Wing Chun system does not pit force against force, nor require extreme body flexibility nor stamina so it is suitable for most age, gender and weight groups.

Where does Wing Chun have its largest following?

Wing Chun is practiced around the world, having its largest base in Hong Kong and Foshan, Guangdong, China.

How long does it take to become proficient in applying the Wing Chun techniques in self defense?

While it depends on the student's dedication and aptitude, 2 to 3 years is a conservative length of time to become competent in its base techniques.  The length can be shorten to one year for those who are able to diligently dedicate practice time and have the aptitude to learn quickly.

Does Wing Chun teach fancy high kicks and acrobatic flips as seen in Kung Fu movies?
 
Wing Chun generally employs kicks to the mid body section and below.  Leg sweeps and stamps are also used.  It is generally believed by Wing Chun masters that low kicks are more difficult for the opponent to detect and it is much quicker to maintain and recover balance when delivering kicks that are waste and below.  Flips are not taught nor practiced in the Wing Chun system as opportunities to apply them are rare and difficult in real situations.

What weapons are taught in the Wing Chun system?

The Wing Chun system teaches short range and long range weapons systems:  The double short sword (a.k.a. double butterfly sword) and a long staff.  Many of the centerline, sticking and countering concepts in the Wing Chun hand forms are also applied in the weapons forms.

Does Wing Chun teach the tradition of lion dancing?

While some schools teach lion dancing, the Wing Chun system generally does not incorporate this tradition.  Wing Chun was originally designed as a combative/self-defense system that could be learned quickly.

Why use a vertical fist instead of a horizontal fist?

The developed horizontal fist has about 10% better striking power, but the trained vertical fist has 100% better forearm pinning ability, and so the vertical fist and the forearm are used as our primary tools in weaponless combat.

What is the best age to learn Wing Chun?
 
Wing Chun can be adapted for students of just about any age, however, in general, students age 12 and above will be able to learn and adopt the techniques quicker.

Why is Wing Chun referred to as a street fighting art?
 
Wing Chun is an extremely effective and street-tested self-defense system and has been written up as such in numerous publications.

What is the purpose of Chi Sao (Sticky Hand) training?
 
Chi Sao (a.k.a. Sticky Hand) is a standard drill practiced among the Wing Chun community to develop sensitivity and reflex.  It is a partnering system in which two Wing Chun practitioners lock and roll hands in a uniform manner.  One partner attacks using random Wing Chun combinations, while the other partner counters.  Chi Sao is a safe and controlled form of close-in sparring.

What is the purpose of the Wooden Man (Mook Yan Jong) training?

Mook Yan Jong (a.k.a. Wooden Dummy) is a training tool to help the Wing Chun practitioner develop the proper form, distance and angles to an opponent.  Techniques on how to recover from a losing situation are taught in the Wooden Man form.

Does Wing Chun teach grappling techniques?
 
No.  Wing Chun teaches escapes from grabs/holds to avoid having to fight on the floor.  It is the belief that there is a high probability of defending against multiple opponents so ground fighting is not encouraged.

What does it mean when Wing Chun is referred to as an internal style as opposed to an external style?

Wing Chun is an internal style that develops the internal strength by proper breathing techniques (Chi Gung) and a relaxed body.  By developing breathing along with movement as the intensity develops, so does the Chi and internal strength of the practitioner.

Unlike other styles that chose to oppose force with force, Wing Chun chooses to economize strength with proper breathing in execution of movements and only use the necessary minimum force to be successful in subduing the opponent.  Time is not wasted, and neither is strength, due to a philosophy that dictates the next guy may be just a breath away so there isn't a breath to waste.

Wing Chun can be taught like Tai Chi and practiced without competition, and the benefits are equally compelling; but Tai Chi has lately been passed down to many without the fighting applications.  This would be a contradiction of Wing Chun's purpose of self-defense and defense of others.

Why is the Wing Chun stance different from stances taught by other Kung Fu systems?

Wing Chun employs a stance called Yi Gee Kim Yeong Mah (catch goat stance).  This stance forms the foundation for the Wing Chun practitioner.  It allows the practitioner to pivot quickly in either direction to quickly redirect the opponent's force or extend its reach.  Unlike other stances, the Wing Chun stance can appear as a natural square stance so to deceive the opponent that you are in a ready position. 

Since Wing Chun and Tai Chi are both soft styles, how do they differ?
 
Wing Chun and Tai Chi are similar in that their core principle is not to pit force against force, but to leverage the opponents force to one's advantage.  Both emphasize breathing and relaxation and provide similar health benefits.  Wing Chun differs in that it places much more training emphasis on the application of self defense and techniques.

What is the difference between Wing Chun and Wushu?
 
Wushu is collectively all forms of Chinese martial arts.  "Wushu" means literally "military technique".  Wing Chun is therefore a form of Wushu.  Wing Chun differs from many of the other Wushu styles in that it is less stylistic for public performances; however, it is devastatingly effective as the fighting art it is meant to be.

Do Wing Chun practitioners participate in tournaments?

There are Chi Sao tournaments that are held in the U.S. and internationally.

Since Wing Chun is a Shaolin-derived system, what animal styles does Wing Chun base its techniques on?
 
The Wing Chun system had incorporated many techniques from the Shaolin Temple's Snake and Crane animal systems.  The snake is known for its quick, springing motion and the crane is known for its wings' whipping power.  While Wing Chun does not resemble actual animal movements like those performed in Kung-Fu movies, it draws from the principles of the Shaolin snake and crane animal forms.

Who Can Attend?

Our classes are very suitable for anyone, male or female, with or without prior exposure to other martial arts. For more experienced martial artists who want to learn the Wing Chun fighting art & philosophies to improve and compliment their knowledge are also welcome.


What Can I Learn?

We have a structured teaching syllabus in place, so you will be taught progressively on the complete Wing Chun System, and this includes:-

• Wing Chun Forms
• Chak Sao
• Chi Sao (Sticky Hand)
• Wooden Dummy
• Long Pole
• Butterfly Knives
• Technique Applications
• Practical Street Fight Combat

Where Are The Classes?
 
Classes available at :

• SWCA Yishun
• Pasir Ris East CC
• Pasir Ris  Elias CC
• Private Arrangement