What is Wing Chun?

Wing Chun is a logical, scientific, yet simple Chinese martial art system, which was developed for practical and effective self-defence. It is a result oriented martial art known for its efficiency and economy of movement based upon the natural body mechanics of the human musculoskeletal framework. It was developed for survival, self-defence and damage limitation, rather than for purely attack or for aesthetic appeal. 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 reasons why it is fast becoming one of the most popular Chinese martial arts around the world. Employing several key concepts; sensitivity, contact reflexes, forward energy and 'borrowing' the opponent's force, Wing Chun 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.

"Wing Chun is the only truly practical street self-defence system that can be trained equally by everyone!!"

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.

"Wing Chun is one of the most natural and effective martial arts, simple yet devastating. It was developed for street practical self-defence, however in keeping with Chinese tradition martial arts training also serves as a defence against disease and degeneration, not just thugs and bullies. i.e.: defence inside, defence outside."

"The best fighters never fight"

Master Hung Yi Hsiang

Wing Chun seeks to 'feel' the direction and force of an opponent's attack through contact with the arms and legs, teaching the student to occupy the centreline at all times by forming a defensive wedge. Unlike some martial arts, which focus self-defence training on assault targets and elaborate, impractical techniques, Wing Chun teaches students how to utilise their bodies efficiently to generate more power, through the co-ordination of movements, correct use of body structure and focussed use of elbow energy. They are also taught how to redirect or neutralise powerful strikes, without using brute force, such as hard blocking techniques. Additionally students are encouraged to analyse and question the reason for movements. Due to the scientific nature of the Wing Chun system, a thorough understanding of the art is necessary before students can execute the movements properly and indeed remember them long-term. Training is aimed at sharpening mental and physical skills, additionally offering relaxation, concentration and awareness as an integral part of the system. As one might expect of a Chinese martial art, Wing Chun training also provides the broader health benefits of mental relaxation, stress management alongside physical exercise.