Siu Nim Tao ~ "The way of the little idea" or "Little idea form"

Siu ~ Cantonese term meaning: small adj., not large in size or amount; not a lot; by tiny degrees

Nim ~ Cantonese term meaning: idea n., the product of mental activity

Tao ~ Cantonese term meaning: way n., a manner, method or means; passage or journey

The essential principles and concepts of Wing Chun are preserved and transmitted through its first form, Siu Nim Tao, which translates as the 'way of the little idea' or 'little idea form'. This is the fundamental solo training method of Wing Chun and represents a humble infrastructure designed to guide the practitioner in the right direction from the outset of training.

"A great tree which takes a crowd to span its base Started from being a tiny seed; And a tower nine sections high began in the ground."

Tao Te Ching

The correct practice of Siu Nim Tao will not only concentrate and focus the mind in order to develop new habits and skills, it will develop the correct hand positions and structures, increase awareness' and develop the leg muscles. In addition, regular practice will boost inner energy, assist in stress management, aid efficient body mechanics and develop a good body posture.

Siu Nim Tao can be considered the non-definitive dictionary of Wing Chun's techniques; it defines the vital positions, structures and energies of the techniques, but does not teach how to apply them. Siu Nim Tao allows the practitioner to strive and train for 'perfect' positions, something that is not possible when relating the techniques to a partner or opponent. It is vital, therefore, that Wing Chun practitioner's train hard and strive for these 'perfect' positions and energies within the safety of the form, so that the precision of those movements will be fed into their techniques and applications.

"There are one hundred and eight moves, all practical and real. Thousands of variations can be used, aiming for practical use and not beauty."

Siu Nim Tao maxim

Through Siu Nim Tao practice, the structural integrity, advanced geometric shapes and correct elbow positions are developed and refined to make them powerful, efficient and correctly positioned in relation to the centreline.

The main principle behind the little idea is to concentrate fully on the movements, positions and energies within the form. Therefore, it is necessary to put aside all daily matters such as work, money, and family matters for the duration of the form, rather than training half-heartedly. By concentrating fully, the inner energies can develop alongside the understanding of the movements and their structure. It is analogous to planting a small seed; if it is planted on fertile ground it will grow healthy and strong. For Wing Chun to grow, it needs a fertile receptive mind. It is necessary to habitually practice the movements over and over again, this repetition develops the correct energies, educates the muscles in the body and the neural pathways in the brain, so that the path, shape and structure of the techniques are learnt, fully understood, appreciated and felt.