The origins of Wing Chun have been traced back to the Sui Lam (Shaolin) Monastery, Honan Province China. Legend has it that the monastery was destroyed by the ruling Manchu Government, who feared the famous “Boxing Monks”. Amongst those to escape the fire was the Buddhist nun Ng Mui. She took refuge on Tai Leung Mountain. There she met and befriended Yim Yee and his daughter Yim Wing Chun.
Yim Wing Chun was being harassed by a local bully, who attempted to force her to marry him, although she was betrothed to Leung Bok Chau. Ng Mui learnt of this and taught Yim Wing Chun a method of Kung Fu in order that she be able to defend herself. She trained very hard and mastered the techniques. She then fought the bully and defeated him, and so was able to marry her betrothed. So came about the method known as Wing Chun Kung Fu.
Wing Chun is a Yin Method.
Wing Chun is very effective against adversaries who are stronger and more aggressive. This is a result of the system originating from a woman, thus Wing Chun is a yin technique. The techniques are to deflect and parry in order to use less energy to defeat an opponent and so the system is suitable for both men and women.
The genuine skill in Wing Chun comes about through Chi sau practice (sticking hands). Through Chi Sau, sensitivity is built up, and it is thus possible to sense the movements of your training partner. Persistent practice enables the principles of Wing Chun to be quickly understood and put into practice. When a high level of sensitivity has been acquired the exercise can be performed blind folded, or using just one hand to defend against a partner using two.
Darryl Tam
