Whats so special about Wing Chun?

ive been practicing it for a little while now, (not enough to understand the full capibilities, etc). but i hear alot of people sing the praises of wing chun, i would like to know whats so good about it? thx.

Whats so special about Wing Chun?
Wing Chun is a scientific system of Chinese kung fu. Wing Chun is not only a form of unarmed combat but also teaches the understanding of one's own body mechanics. Through Wing Chun a practitioner develops both mental and physical improvements and advantages - for example, better body structure, greater fitness, a keen sense of awareness, improved timing, and increased precision and control over one's movements. Wing Chun is a sophisticated weapon, where body mechanics are used with efficiency to their maximum effect.





If the principles of Wing Chun are applied in the context of physical unarmed combat, using a body that has been conditioned to maturation and employing finely honed strategic intelligence, the result will be a very sophisticated, efficient, and complete system.





Over the last thirty years, the fighting aspects of Wing Chun have been stressed, but it is important to make clear that Wing Chun is not only a system of fighting - if a person is looking only for a fighting system they might as well learn how to use a gun. There are also others benefits in this art which must not be dismissed





The training requires time and self discipline, teaching one how not only to react in a combat situation but also in daily life. A practitioner learns to act with intelligence, not in anger or because of pride, and to deal with fear and stress. Teaching the body to react to stimuli in a controlled manner, Wing Chun focuses on directness, simplicity and economy of motion.
Reply:Volvic,it's really up to you if you think its good.





Primary Level – Siu Lim Tao





The first form that a student will be introduced to in Wing Chun is Siu Lim Tao, or "The Little Idea". Siu Lim Tao is the Foundation of the entire art of Wing Chun, as it contains all the fighting principles of the art within the form. Beyond teaching correct technique, it teaches the practitioner to relax properly, maintain stable balance, the proper use of the eyes in the fighting environment, and a host of other principles. By diligently practicing Siu Lim Tao, the student will quickly begin to develop Wing Chun's characteristic explosive, whip-like power in his movements, and will begin to learn how to take a creative approach to fighting.








This is the secret contained within Siu Lim Tao - the freedom from practicing rote patterns of empty technique. By learning to apply correct fighting principles the practitioner's techniques will be able to flow infinitely in unison with the enemy's actions. Instead of taking the impossible, analytical approach of adhering to pre-determined technique patterns, the Siu Lim Tao trained Wing Chun fighter is able to use principles to control the fighting environment and create a winning situation. He can adapt to any fight without hesitation, and can apply his movements without conscious thought in perfect unison with the enemy.








Additionally, while training this form with correct breathing, the more advanced exponent is also practicing meditation and strengthening the Gong Lik (internal power).








The student in his Beginning phase of Wing Chun training must take special care that Siu Lim Tao is practiced properly, and that he understands the principles. For, without the Foundation that Siu Lim Tao provides, the student will be unable to apply his Wing Chun, and will be unable to advance.








Intermediate Level Chum Kiu








When the Wing Chun practitioner has progressed into the Intermediate phase of his training he is introduced to the second hand form Chum Kiu, which translates as "Seeking the Bridge." Chum Kiu is known as the Skill of Wing Chun, as this phase of training takes the understanding and application of the principles learned in Siu Lim Tao and uses that knowledge to teach the student how to gain complete control of the fighting environment.








Chum Kiu training increases on the power developed in Siu Lim Tao. Therefore, the student who has not gained a sufficient understanding in Siu Lim Tao will be unable to train Chum Kiu. The form teaches the Wing Chun fighter how to control his opponent through the "bridge", which is defined as the physical contact of his arms and legs with his opponent. It is through this contact that the opponent is dominated, because the Chum Kiu practitioner has trained his sensory abilities through Chi Sao and Gong Lik. This sensory ability allows the practitioner to read his opponent's movements and intentions through simple physical contact, and can respond instantly with appropriate deflections, traps, and devastating counter-attacks.








Advanced Level Biu Gee








At one time only taught to closed door students, Biu Gee, or Thrusting Fingers, is the Power of Wing Chun and is the final hand form learned by the student; taking place in the Advanced stage of training. Biu Gee hones the Wing Chun practitioner's skills and powers, and finishes his knowledge of the empty hand system of Wing Chun. With the implementation of the support movements found in the other forms, the Biu Gee practitioner is taught to utilize a unique force through the application of technique, creating a very devastating power.








Additionally, after the student has learned to control the fighting environment in his prior training, Biu Gee teaches him how to become a highly unorthodox fighter able to attack from any angle with devastating power, and able to operate effectively in any situation. A competent Biu Gee practitioner is able to fight from any position. This ability creates an incredible fighting spirit that can withstand all the intensity of a life-or-death situation.





Chi Sao








Chi Sao, or "Sticky Hands", is the glue of Wing Chun which binds the entire art together into a complete whole. Every single facet of Wing Chun can be practiced through this powerful exercise, and the practitioner may receive instant feedback on the correctness of every movement immediately. No other training regimen can promise this.


One should never "guess" if a particular attack or deflection is going to work in a fighting environment. Guessing may work on the tournament floor with judges and referees, but guessing and making a mistake in the real world leaves the individual open to very serious consequences. Chi Sao provides the ability to be absolutely assured that each movement is the proper one because Chi Sao teaches the practitioner to adapt to the enemy's movements and to respond instantly with the appropriate responses.








The aim of Chi Sao is to grant the practitioner the ability to read his opponent's intentions through sensory input received through the practitioner's arms. Therefore, Chi Sao is practiced with two individuals in contact with each other's arms (commonly referred to as the "Bridge"). Through this contact the Wing Chun practitioner can feel minute changes in pressure, direction, power, etc. in his opponent's movement - in effect, being able to read his enemy like a book. Training to engage in this sort of contact gives Wing Chun it's special flavour as a close-in, aggressive fighting system that seeks to completely dominate the opponent quickly through deflective movement and highly effective trapping methods.








Mook Yan Chong (Wooden Dummy)








One of the most famous training devices utilized in kung fu is Wing Chun's Mook Yan Chong, or Wooden Dummy. Made famous by its usage as a training device by Bruce Lee and by its portrayal in kung fu movies by Jackie Chan, real wooden dummy training, however, is rarely seen and even more rarely understood.








The wooden dummy is utilized as a perfect reference point around which to build perfect technique. Also, it is utilized to train the coordination of the entire body behind each movement, and in this respect it becomes a device that will impart an incredible amount of power to the practitioner.


Compared to the flashy, fast technique used on the wooden dummy in movies, real wooden dummy training is done comparatively slowly, so each movement is done correctly and with power. This method of training also conditions the mind for combat, making the practitioner able to concentrate properly and apply his power in the proper way.








Wooden dummy training is an opportunity to apply knowledge gained through the three hand forms in a changing, dynamic manner, and to practice through a controlled environment the ideas of Body Action, Reaction, which is the possible movement exhibited by the opponent when the Wing Chun practitioner's techniques are applied.


Real wooden dummy training is multi-faceted and deeply comprehensive. The wooden dummy should never be beat on, or the form rushed through. The entire training around this device should be thoughtful and examined thoroughly.








Lok Dim Boon Kwan (Six and a Half Point Pole)








The Lok Dim Boon Kwan, or "Six-And-A-Half Point Pole", is the first stage of the Wing Chun practitioner's dedicated armed combat training. The Long Pole teaches specific lines of force that when applied make any two-handed weapon (from a broom handle to a walking cane to a bayonet fixed on a rifle) a very deadly instrument.


Long Pole training makes heavy use of controlling and moving down straight lines. This is done in order to line up the entire mass of the weapon being used into one minute point, thereby transferring the maximum amount of kinetic energy into the opponent. This also makes it harder for the opponent to stop the attack because the weapon is not being swung in large circular arcs.








The principles of the Long Pole also translate back into the Wing Chun practitioner's empty handed combat through increased power, tighter body structure, and an ability to control an opponent's entire body through small movements at the extension of the practitioner's arms. The physical discipline gained through continued practice with the Long Pole also grants the practitioner a force of will that is unshakable in the midst of the fighting encounter.








Baat Jum Doe (Knives)








Wing Chun's amazing knife fighting system is a true eye-opener to anyone who is unfamiliar with the combat use of the blade.


Called Baat Jam Doe, or the "Eight Slash Knives", this system teaches the Wing Chun practitioner the reality of the use of, and defence against, any cutting instrument








The Knives teach the Wing Chun practitioner to use both hands simultaneously to deliver cuts and redirect an opponent's force. Whether two knives are held, only one, or no knives at all, the principles teach the practitioner a unique psychology known as "knife hands" or blade awareness.








This psychology gives the Wing Chun fighter an unflinching courage and speed of sensory processing that translates physically as increased speed in movement and a deadly whip-like, slashing power in his attacks








The Baat Jam Doe is the pinnacle of Wing Chun training, and the dedicated practitioner that has reached this stage will see every skill he has gained in Wing Chun become "sharpened" and polished.


Wing Chun's amazing knife fighting system is a true eye-opener to anyone who is unfamiliar with the combat use of the blade.Called Baat Jam Doe, or the "Eight Slash Knives", this system teaches the Wing Chun practitioner the reality of the use of, and defence against, any cutting instrument





good luck and best of 08,





ja
Reply:Everybody is going to praise their martial art like its the magic bullet to fighting, Wing Chun has a lot of good things with it but it's definately not the be all and end all martial art
Reply:Most people don't know this but Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do's basis is Wing Chun. Bruce Lee even made a book before Tao of Jeet Kune Do called Wing Chun Gung fu. It's a extremely good close quarters fighting style but I personally think like Bruce Lee to mix it with other grappling %26amp; striking styles to see your full potential in an actual fight.
Reply:good question . you haven,t got a lot of experience but are already asking the right kind of question .my personal viewpoint is its core simplicity is its strength.easy[relatively]to learn quickly and use.stick at it,as long as you have a good sifu and determination you will answer all your own questions in time. what you dont know your sifu can answer.good luck
Reply:Little while? Does it mean1-2 week? Look and listen what is happenning in the class.


Wing Chun is easy to learn/pick up but very hard to master.


It is fast and easy to use. It will take time. After 18 month training, no reasons you should feel unsafe late at night in the street.
Reply:Watch any Bruce lee film then you will understand, (grasshopper)