Wu - Chinese Martial Arts
Wing Chun Introduction | History | Three Hand Forms | Chi Sau | Application
Three Hand Forms
Siu Lim Tao(小念頭) is Wing Chun's first form. Translated as 'Way of the little
Idea', the practitioner uses the form to study and perfect certain Wing Chun
techniques and principles. These include the centreline - the centre of the body
which must be protected; elbow position; leg strengthening; basic techniques;
use of energy (in the last few inches) and body limits. The form is learnt in
the class and practiced at home, lasting anything from five to forty-five
minutes, with about twenty minutes being the generally accepted time limit.
Chum Kiu (尋拳)('Seeking the Bridge') is Wing Chun's second form and introduces the practitioner to stepping, turning and moving the body in the correct way to face different directions. It also contains some of the Wing Chun kicks, all of which are low for maximum effect and minimum risk.
Wing Chun's last hand form is called Biu Gee(標指), literally translated as 'Shooting Fingers'. Traditionally a secret form only taught to close and loyal students, Biu Tze is the emergency form of Wing Chun, allowing the practitioner to view possible mistakes or wrong positions, and offers solutions to those problems. The third form also allows the practitioner to train his or her elbow strikes, a powerful close range weapon.
Following on from the three hand forms are the more advanced forms of Wing Chun - the Wooden Dummy(木人樁), the Pole form(六點半棍) and the Knife form(八斬刀). All these continue on from the hand forms and progress the training, through correct positioning and use of the weapons, more energy and strength is built up. The Wooden Dummy provides a useful 24hr-training tool to use for positioning, footwork and training energy.
Source:
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