View source for Wing Chun

{{short description|Chinese martial art}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Distinguish|Weng Chun}}
{{Missing information|Wing Chun organizations like VTAA and EWTO|date=January 2023}}

{{Infobox martial art
| image = [[File:The age of 18 Bruce Lee and Ye Wen.jpg|300px]]
| imagecaption = [[Ip Man]] and [[Bruce Lee]] practicing "{{lang|zh|双黐手}}" (Seung Chi Sau), meaning "double sticky hands"
| name = Wing Chun
| focus = [[Strike (attack)|Striking]], [[Grappling#Stand-up grappling|grappling]], [[Clinch fighting#Trapping techniques|trapping]]
| country = [[Foshan]], China
| creator =  No definitive founder has been identified; there are eight distinct lineages with different stories regarding its conception.<ref name=Chu1/><ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed|date=January 2023}}<br>''For further information, see [[Branches of Wing Chun]]''
| parenthood      = [[Shaolin Kung Fu]] / [[Nanquan (martial art)|Nanquan]]<ref name="ReferenceA">Benjamin N. Judkins & Jon Nielson 2015</ref>{{page needed|date=January 2023}}
| descendant arts = [[Jeet Kune Do]],<ref name="Crudelli316" /> [[German Jujutsu]]{{efn|name="GermanJujutsu"|Wing Chun techniques were added to the German Jujutsu curriculum in 2000. Prior to that, German Jujutsu did not contain Wing Chun techniques.}}<ref>Braun, Christian (2004). Ju-Jutsu – Effektives Training. Das Prüfungsprogramm vom Gelb- und Orangegurt. Aachen, Germany: Meyer & Meyer Verlag. {{ISBN|3-89899-011-7}}.</ref>
| famous_pract = (see [[#Notable practitioners|notable practitioners]])
| olympic = 
}}
{{Infobox Chinese
| title = Wing Chun
| l = "singing spring"<ref name="meaning N" /><ref name="meaning W" />
| t = {{linktext|詠春}}
| s = {{linktext|咏春}}
| j = Wing6 ceon1
| p = Yǒngchūn
| mi = {{IPAc-cmn|yong|3|.|zh|un|1}}
| ci = {{IPAc-yue|w|ing|6|.|c|eon|1}}
}}
{{Chinese martial arts}}

'''Wing Chun''' ([[Cantonese]]) or '''Yong Chun''' ([[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]]) ({{zh|t=[[wikt:詠春|詠春]]|s=[[wikt:咏春|咏春]]|first=t}}, lit. "singing spring")<ref>See Etymology</ref> is a concept-based martial art{{what|date=August 2025}}, a form of [[Nanquan (martial art)|Southern Chinese kung fu]], and a close-quarters system of [[self-defense]]. It is a martial arts style characterized by its focus on close-quarters hand-to-hand combat, rapid-fire punches, and straightforward efficiency. It has a philosophy that emphasizes capturing and sticking to an opponent's centerline. This is accomplished using simultaneous attack and defense, tactile sensitivity, and using an opponent's force against them.

Wing Chun has various spellings in the West, but "Wing Chun" is the most common.<ref>« As the art grows in popularity, many different Romanizations for the Chinese character "Wing Chun" continue to be created, often as a result of the local dialect and pronunciation. This results in the ability to determine a lineage, student/teacher family tree, or origin, by the spelling alone. The most common spelling is "wing chun", which applies generally to all families. » - Wayne Belonoha, The Wing Chun Compendium, p.20</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=January 2023}}<ref name="mil.news.sina.com.cn">{{cite web |url= https://mil.news.sina.com.cn/china/2020-11-23/doc-iiznezxs3243149.shtml|title= Why traditional martial arts lose to hand-to-hand combat – US military hand-to-hand combat trainer who teaches Wing Chun sees it this way.|author= |date= November 23, 2020|website= sina.com.cn.|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210514080001/https://mil.news.sina.com.cn/china/2020-11-23/doc-iiznezxs3243149.shtml|language= Chinese|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date= May 14, 2021}}</ref>{{additional citation needed|date=January 2023}} The origins of Wing Chun are uncertain, but it is generally attributed to the development of Southern Chinese martial arts. There are at least eight distinct lineages, of which the [[Ip Man]] and [[Yuen Kay-shan]] lineages are the most prolific.

The martial art was brought to Hong Kong and then the rest of the world by Ip Man, with [[Bruce Lee]] being his most famous student. The Ving Tsun Athletic Association, founded in 1967 by Ip Man and his students, helped spread Wing Chun globally. Traditionally taught within a family system, modern Wing Chun lessons have taken on a more academic and commercial character.

Wing Chun gained popularity in the 2010s due to the [[Ip Man (film series)|''Ip Man'' film series]] starring [[Donnie Yen]] and has been featured in video games like [[Tekken 7]]. Notable practitioners include Bruce Lee, Donnie Yen, Samuel Kwok, and Carlos Deleon.

== Etymology ==
In Chinese, this martial art is referred to as {{lang|zh|咏春拳}} (simplified script) or {{lang|zh|詠春拳}} (traditional script). Though it is written in an almost identical way in traditional and simplified, it is not pronounced and transcribed in the same way according to the regions and their dialects: '''Yǒngchūn quán''' in [[Mandarin pinyin]], '''Wing-Chun keen''' in [[Cantonese]] [[Wade–Giles]]. It is made up of two terms: {{lang|zh|拳}} (quan/kuen) which means "fist, boxing" and the term {{lang|zh|詠春}} (wing-chun, in Cantonese) meaning "singing spring". The full name is thus translated as "singing spring boxing".<ref name="meaning N">{{cite book|title=Mantis fist in Wing Chun|date=2016|first=Neskorodev |last=Semyon |page=4|quote=The origin... One of them states, that this style was created by five masters of Southern Shaolin, who made this work in the Hall of Praising Spring. Other legend says, that the style was elaborated by [[Yim Wing Chun|the women Wing Chun]] (Singing Spring), the daughter of novice of Southern Shaolin}}{{Self-published source|reason=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform|date=January 2023}}</ref><ref name="meaning W">{{cite book|title=Sport as Symbol: Images of the Athlete in Art, Literature and Song|date=2003|first=Mari |last=Womack|page=93|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=RJPuAAAAMAAJ&q=sing+spring|publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn= 978-0-7864-1579-3|quote=village girl named [[Yim Wing Chun]], which means to sing spring}}</ref>

In its short designation, the martial art is simply designated by these two sinograms:
* the sinogram {{lang|zh|詠}} yǒng/wing: "to sing, to sing..."
* the sinogram {{lang|zh|春}} chūn/chun: "spring, vitality..."

This martial art is sometimes referred to by {{lang|zh|永春}}, characters different from {{lang|zh|詠春}}, but pronounced and transcribed in the same way: They are literally translated as "eternal spring", the character {{lang|zh|永}} meaning "eternal, endless". These characters also designate the Yongchun region near the city of Quanzhou (Fujian).

If the use of {{lang|zh|詠春}} seems privileged today for Wing Chun styles, {{lang|zh|永春}} still appears in the name of other Southern Chinese martial arts (with {{lang|zh|永春}} often transcribed '''Weng Chun'''); for example [[Weng Chun|jee shim weng chun]] and [[Fujian White Crane|Yǒng Chūn Bái Hè Quán]] ({{lang|zh|永春白鶴拳}}).<ref>Use of {{lang|zh|永春}} by several branches, including [[Pan Nam]] himself, attested by [[Leung Ting]] in ''Roots and Branches of Wing Tsun'' and by the authors of ''Complete Wing Chun'' . See also http://weng-chun.com and http://www.yongchunbaihechuen.com</ref>{{additional citation needed|date=January 2023}}

=== Romanization ===

In the West, the name of this martial art has been transcribed variably due to the use of different or personal Chinese language romanization methods, and differences in pronunciation between Chinese languages (but Cantonese was often preferred) or according to Western languages. In addition, some Wing Chun masters voluntarily created their own terms, in order to dissociate their personal teaching from traditional teachings. For example, [[Yip Man]]'s Ving Tsun or [[Leung Ting]]'s Wing Tsun.

{{blockquote|The consequence is the ability to determine a lineage, a student-teacher family tree, just by spelling.|Wayne Belonoha<ref>The Wing Chun compendium</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=January 2023}}}}

Finally, this martial art is pronounced quite identically in the West but is written with many spellings: Ving Tsun, Wing Tsun, Wing Tsung, Yong Chun, Weng Chun, Wyng Tjun, Ving Tjun, Wing Tzun, Wing Tschun. Wing Chun is the most common form, used to apply to all lineages of this martial art.<ref>« As the art grows in popularity, many different romanizations for the Chinese character "wing chun" continue to be created, often as a result of the local dialect and pronunciation. This results in the ability to determine a lineage, student/teacher family tree, or origin, by the spelling alone. The most common spelling is "wing chun", which applies generally to all families. » - Wayne Belonoha, The Wing Chun compendium, p.20</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=January 2023}}<ref name="mil.news.sina.com.cn" />{{additional citation needed|date=January 2023}}

=== Context ===
Context of the name Wing Chun varies between various [[branches of Wing Chun]]. Common legend is that the name is derived from [[Yim Wing-chun]], the mythical progenator of the martial art, who was a student of the legendary Abbess [[Ng Mui]].<ref>Chu, Ritchie & Wu 2015, pp. 4–27</ref><ref name="Ritchie2007">Ritchie, R. (''c.'' 2007): [https://web.archive.org/web/20061112065319/http://www.wingchunkuen.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4 What's in a name?] Retrieved on 9 May 2010.</ref><ref name="Crudelli_122">{{cite book|author=Chris Crudelli|title=The Way of the Warrior|year=2008|publisher=Dorling Kindersley Ltd|page=122|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QlI0fxSm1vgC|isbn=978-1-4053-3750-2}}</ref>

According to the Hung Suen / Hung Gu Biu lineage, the Ng Mui / Yim Wing Chun legend was conceived to protect the identity of Cheung Ng, a Shaolin monk who survived the Manchurian massacres and took refuge at Red Boat Opera. The "Yim Wing Chun" name was chosen for specific reasons, as Yim could be understood as the word for "Secret" or "Protected", and "Wing Chun" refers to Siu Lam Wing Chun Tong (the Always Spring Hall). With "Yim Wing Chun" being a secret code for "the secret art of Siu Lam Wing Chun Hall."<ref>Chu, Ritchie & Wu 2015, pp. 83–89</ref>

In the [[Pan Nam]] lineage, the "Wing" in Wing Chun comes from Chan Wing-wah, one of the founders of [[Hongmen]].<ref>Chu, Ritchie & Wu 2015, pp. 69–77</ref> According to the Pao Fa Lien lineage, the name Wing Chun is a shortened form of the revolutionary motto, "Wing yun chi jee; Mo mong Hon Juk; Dai dei wu chun." A secret code that allowed the [[Anti-Qing sentiment|anti-Qing]] revolutionaries to recognize each other. Eventually, the codeword was shortened to Wing Chun (Always Spring.)<ref>Chu 2015, pg.78</ref>

== Origins ==
{{For|Wing Chun branches, their history and features|Branches of Wing Chun}}

The definitive origin of Wing Chun remains unknown and is attributed to the development of [[Nanquan (martial art)|Southern Chinese martial arts]].<ref name=" Benjamin N. Judkins & Jon Nielson 2015">{{cite book|author=Benjamin N. Judkins & Jon Nielson|title=The Creation of Wing Chun: A Social History of the Southern Chinese Martial Arts|year=2015|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=978-1-4384-5695-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H7s0CgAAQBAJ}}</ref> Complications in the history and documentation of Wing Chun are attributed to the art being passed from teacher to student orally, rather than in writing. Another reason is the secrecy of its development, due to its connections to anti-Qing rebellious movements.<ref>Chu 2015, pg. 1-2, 106-108</ref>

There are at least eight different distinct lineages of Wing Chun, each having its own history of origin. Additionally, there are competing genealogies within the same branch or about the same individual teacher. The eight distinct lineages of Wing Chun which have been identified are:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Ip Man]]<ref name=Chu2 />
* [[Yuen Kay-shan]]<ref name=Chu3 /><ref>Leung Ting, pg.238</ref>
* Gu Lao Village<ref name=Chu4 /><ref>Leung Ting, page 289 & 290</ref>
* Nanyang / Cao Dean<ref name=Chu8 />
* [[Pan Nam]]<ref name=Chu5 />
* Pao Fa Lien<ref name=Chu6 />
* Hung Suen / Hung Gu Biu<ref name=Chu7 />
* [[Jee Shim]]<ref name=Chu9 /> / [[Weng Chun]]<ref>Leung, Ting (2000). Roots and Branches of Wing Tsun, Second edition (January 1, 2000). Leung Ting Co ,Hong Kong. ISBN 9627284238, pg. 53, 90-99</ref>
{{div col end}}

Regardless of the origins espoused by various Wing Chun branches and lineages, there is much third-party controversy and [[Speculative reason|speculative]] theorizing regarding the true origins of Wing Chun. In the West, Wing Chun's history has become a mix of fact and fiction due to the impacts of early secrecy and modern marketing.<ref name=Chu1 />

== Modern Wing Chun ==

Of the eight Wing Chun lineages,<ref>see [[#Origins|Origins]]</ref> the [[Ip Man]] and [[Yuen Kay-shan]] lineages are the most prolific branches of Wing Chun worldwide.<ref>Leung Ting, Roots and Branches of Wing Tsun, ISBN 9627284239</ref><ref>{{cite book|author = David Peterson |title = Look Beyond the Pointing Finger: The Combat Philosophy of Wong Shun Leung|date = 2001| publisher=Melbourne Chinese Martial Arts Club |isbn = 0-9579570-0-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author = Jan P. Hintelmann |title = Westliche Sinnfindung durch östliche Kampfkunst? |language = German |date = 2005 |publisher = IKO – Verlag für Interkulturelle Kommunikation |isbn = 978-3-88939-774-4}}</ref> The other lineages are pretty much unknown outside of China, except for the [[Pan Nam]] line, which survives in the USA<ref name="Valley news">{{cite journal|last1=Peyton |first1=James |title=Pocket area Wing Chun school preserves rare martial arts tradition |url=http://www.valcomnews.com/wp-content/PDFs/Pocket/PN1605.pdf |access-date=12 December 2020 |journal=Pocket News |issue=Print |publisher=Valley Community Newspapers | date=3 March 2016 |ref=Valley news}}</ref><ref name="Plum Publications">{{cite web|last1=Plum Staff |title=The Open Gate to the Garden of Chinese Martial Arts |url= https://www.plumpub.com/kaimen/2009/wing-chun-pan-nam-style/ |website=plumpub.com |date=8 December 2009 |publisher=Plum Publications |access-date=12 December 2020 |ref=Plum Publications}}</ref> and the [[Branches of Wing Chun#Jee Shim / Weng Chun|Jee Shim]] / [[Weng Chun]] line with a strong presence in [[Germany]].<ref>Andreas Hoffmann, Nadine Poerschke: Weng Chun Kung Fu. Budo International Publ. Co., Madrid 2011, ISBN 978-3-86836-183-4.</ref><ref>Chu 2015, page 94</ref>
The [[Yuen Chai Wan]] form of Wing Chun{{efn|name="YuenChaiWan1"|Chu, Ritchie and Wu consider this a derivative of his brother's, Yuen Kay-shan's Wing Chun. With Leung Ting also seeing this as a niche system.}} has a notable presence in [[Vietnam]], with this lineage having earned the moniker of "[[Branches of Wing Chun#Yuen Chai Wan / Nguyen Te Cong / Vietnamese Wing Chun|Vietnamese Wing Chun]]".<ref name="YuenWC_A">{{cite book |last1=Ritchie |first1=Rene |title=Yuen Kay-San Wing Chun Kuen |date=31 March 2000 |publisher=Action Pursuit Group |isbn=1-892515-03-2 |pages=142 |edition=Paperback}}</ref><ref name=24H>{{cite news |title=Sư tổ võ Vịnh Xuân Việt Nam là "đại ca" Diệp Vấn |url=https://www.24h.com.vn/the-thao/su-to-vo-vinh-xuan-viet-nam-la-dai-ca-diep-van-c101a768050.html |access-date=2 January 2021 |work=24H |issue=Online |publisher=Công ty Cổ phần Quảng cáo Trực tuyến 24H |date=4 February 2016 |ref=24H}}</ref><ref name="Kien Thuc">{{cite news |last1=Nam |first1=Khanh |title=Những truyền kỳ về sư tổ phái Vịnh Xuân Việt Nam |url=https://kienthuc.net.vn/tham-cung/nhung-truyen-ky-ve-su-to-phai-vinh-xuan-viet-nam-336432.html |access-date=2 January 2021 |work=Kien Thuc |issue=Online |ref=Kien Thuc}}</ref><ref name="Dansaigon">{{cite news |title=Vietnamese Wing Chun Master Nguyen Te Cong |url=http://dansaigon.com/su-to-vinh-xuan-viet-nam-nguyen-te-cong/ |access-date=2 January 2021 |work=Dan Saigon |issue=Online |publisher=Dansaigon |date=24 March 2019 |ref=Dansaigon}}</ref><ref name="SOHA">{{cite news |last1=Mã |first1=Tiểu |title=Bậc thầy võ Việt làm Diệp Vấn, Lý Tiểu Long phải phục |url=https://soha.vn/bac-thay-vo-viet-lam-diep-van-ly-tieu-long-phai-phuc-20161005082128826.htm |access-date=2 January 2021 |work=SOHA The Thao |issue=Online |publisher=SOHA |date=6 October 2016 |ref=SOHA}}</ref>

In 1949, [[Ip Man]], considered the most important grandmaster of modern Wing Chun, brought the style from China to [[Hong Kong]] and eventually to the rest of the world.<ref name=Chu2 /><ref>{{cite book |last=Rawcliffe |first=Shaun |date= 2012|title= Wing Chun Kung Fu: The Wooden Dummy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fZh8AwAAQBAJ|publisher= Crowood|page= |quote=Wing Chun Kung Fu has a long history but it has only been taught openly since the 1950s when Grandmaster Yip Man revealed the secrets of the art and began to teach large numbers of students in Hong Kong.|isbn=978-1-84797-507-2}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url = http://www.foshanmuseum.com/ymt/ymt.htm |title = Ip Man Tong virtual tour |website = foshanmuseum.com| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111128031909/http://www.foshanmuseum.com/ymt/ymt.htm|archive-date = November 28, 2011|date = November 2011 | language = }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.kwokwingchun.com/about-wing-chun/ip-mans-wing-chun/interview--with-grandmaster-yip-man/| title = An Interview with Grandmaster Yip Man| date = January 22, 2014|website = www.kwokwingchun.com|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191029214756/http://www.kwokwingchun.com/about-wing-chun/ip-mans-wing-chun/interview--with-grandmaster-yip-man/ |archive-date = October 29, 2019|access-date= 2019-01-25}}</ref> Yip Man's most famous student was [[Bruce Lee]], who had studied under Yip Man before he moved to the United States.{{efn|name="Lee"|Lee was mainly taught Wing Chun by [[Wong Shun-leung]], a senior student of Ip Man.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated-->|date= 25 July 2018|title= Who taught Bruce Lee kung fu? He was born to be a fighter, but the martial arts superstar also trained with the best |url= https://www.scmp.com/culture/film-tv/article/2156574/who-taught-bruce-lee-kung-fu-he-was-born-be-fighter-martial-arts|work= South China Morning Post|quote=Although Lee studied wing chun at Ip's school, he was mainly taught by Wong Shun-Leung, as Ip himself only taught advanced students, not beginners. Lee quickly became devoted to Wing Chun and practised diligently.|access-date=February 14, 2023}}</ref>
}}<ref>Complete Wing Chun: The Definitive Guide to Wing Chun's History and Traditions, Robert Chu, Rene Ritchie, Y. Wu, page 9, Tuttle Publishing; 1st edition (20 June 1998). ISBN 0-8048-3141-6, ISBN 978-0-8048-3141-3.</ref> Lee is also credited for popularizing Wing Chun internationally,<ref>{{cite book |last= Ing |first= Ken|date= 2010|title= Wing Chun Warrior: The True Tales of Wing Chun Kung Fu Master Duncan Leung, Bruce Lee's Fighting Companion|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Ecw2I-gDXR4C|publisher= Blacksmith Books|page= 21|quote= Finally, Li Xiaolong (李小龍), known to the world as Bruce Lee, made Wing Chun famous in the 1960s and 1970s through his movies.|isbn=9789881774224}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= Thomas|first= Bruce|date= 1994|title= Bruce Lee: Fighting Spirit|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=yE1HsGFasGYC|publisher=Frog Books |page= 308|quote=[William Cheung] joined the school and brought along the pupil who was to become wing chun's most famous exponent, Bruce Lee|isbn=978-1-883319-25-0}}</ref> although he would later develop his own martial arts philosophies (namely [[Jeet Kune Do]]) that contain many Wing Chun influences.<ref name=Crudelli316>{{cite book|author=Chris Crudelli|title=The Way of the Warrior|year=2008|publisher=Dorling Kindersley Ltd|page=316|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QlI0fxSm1vgC|isbn=978-1-4053-3750-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Rafiq |first1=Fiaz |others=Foreword by [[Diana Lee Inosanto]] |year=2020 |title=Bruce Lee: The Life of a Legend |publisher=Birlinn |isbn=978-1-78885-330-9}}</ref> Some masters changed the way of teaching only 1 loyal student because it was a tradition that came because of Qing dynasty's influence and destruction of Southern Shaolin, in order to preserve the style, ancient masters taught only 1 loyal student.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

=== The Ving Tsun Athletic Association ===
The Ving Tsun Athletic Association was founded in 1967 by Cantonese master Ip Man and seven of his senior students so they could teach Wing Chun together and Ip Man would not take on all the work himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vingtsun.org.hk |title=詠春體育會 - Ving Tsun Athletic Association |website=vingtsun.org.hk |language=zh, en |date=2019-11-27}}</ref> The first public demonstration of the Wing Chun fighting system, according to Ip Man, took place in Hong Kong at an official exhibition fight in the winter of 1969 at what was then the Baptist College (now the [[Hong Kong Baptist University]]). [[Leung Ting]], a student of Ip Man, invited his master and some well-known representatives of the martial arts scene of the time to the college and conducted the exhibition fights in front of a specialist audience. The Association helped Wing Chun to spread to the rest of the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vingtsun.org.hk/developmentofVTAA.htm |title=詠春體育會發展簡介 - Kurzer Überblick zur Entwicklung des Ving Tsun Athletic Association |website=vingtsun.org.hk |language=zh |date=2019-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vingtsun.org.hk/Development_1961-70.HTM |title=The Development of Ving Tsun Kung Fu in Hong Kong (1961–1970) – 香港詠春體育會發展 (1961–1970) |website=vingtsun.org.hk |language=zh, en |date=2019-11-27}}</ref>

=== International Wing Chun Organization (IWCO) ===
The International Wing Chun Organization (IWCO)<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Wing Chun Organization HQs – One World, One Family |url=http://iwco.online/ |access-date=2025-01-04 |language=en-GB}}</ref> was founded by Grandmaster Donald Mak<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-30 |title=Mästare Donald Mak |url=https://iwco.se/index.php/mastare-donald-mak/ |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=International Wing Chun Organization Sweden |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Donald Mak 麥廣權 {{!}} eWingChun |url=https://www.ewingchun.com/sifus/donald-mak-%E9%BA%A5%E5%BB%A3%E6%AC%8A-0 |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=www.ewingchun.com}}</ref> in 1997,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Donald Mak Books from the Chow Tze Chuen lineage of Wing Chun Kung Fu. |url=https://www.everythingwingchun.com/donald-mak-wing-chun-books-downloads-s/419.htm |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=www.everythingwingchun.com}}</ref> a respected Wing Chun practitioner and instructor who studied under the Great Grandmaster [[Chow Tze Chueng]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chow Tze Chuen 鄒子傳 {{!}} eWingChun |url=https://www.ewingchun.com/sifus/chow-tze-chuen-%E9%84%92%E5%AD%90%E5%82%B3 |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=www.ewingchun.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-30 |title=Mästare Chow Tze Chuen |url=https://iwco.se/index.php/mastare-chow-tze-chuen/ |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=International Wing Chun Organization Sweden |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Characteristics ==
=== General ===
Wing Chun puts emphasis on economic movement and encourages its practitioners to "feel" through their opponents' defenses and to utilize the incoming attacks with parrying, deflection, rapid punches, and finger pokes. Slapping and defensive maneuvers are used to distract the opponent to make them shift their defenses away from their centerline.<ref name="Crudelli_122" />

Wing Chun favors a relatively high, narrow stance with the elbows close to the body. Within the stance, arms are generally positioned across the vital points of the centerline with hands in a vertical "wu sau" ("protecting hand" position).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-09-07 |title=How to Wu Sau Correctly – Technique is Everything {{!}} Sifu Och Wing Chun |language=en-US |work=Sifu Och Wing Chun |url=http://sifuochwingchun.com/how-to-wu-sau-correctly/ |access-date=2017-03-08}}</ref> This puts the practitioner in a position to make readily placed blocks and fast-moving blows to vital striking points down the center of the body, i.e. the neck, chest, belly, and groin. Shifting or turning within a stance is done on the heels, balls, or middle (K1 or Kidney point 1) of the foot, depending on the lineage. Some Wing Chun styles discourage the use of high kicks because this risks counter-attacks to the groin. The practice of "settling" one's opponent to brace them more effectively against the ground helps one deliver as much force as possible.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rediscovering the Roots of Wing Chun |work=[[Kung Fu Magazine]] |url=http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=141 |access-date=2010-02-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=McKnight |first1=David |last2=Kwok Chow |first2=Sifu Chung |title=Integrative Wing Chun |work=[[Kung Fu Magazine]] |url=http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=249 |url-status=dead |access-date=2010-02-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314194204/http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=249 |archive-date=2013-03-14}}</ref>

=== Relaxation ===
[[Hard and soft (martial arts)|Softness]] (via relaxation) and performance of techniques in a relaxed and controlled manner By training the physical, mental, breathing, energy, and force in a relaxed manner a "soft wholesome force"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roselando |first=Jim |date=2011-01-28 |title=One Wing Chun Kung Fu Family – W1NG : Coaching From The Ancestors |url=http://www.w1ng.com/coaching-from-the-ancestors/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128221338/http://www.w1ng.com/coaching-from-the-ancestors/ |archive-date=2011-01-28 |access-date=2019-01-19}}</ref> known as Chi is develop which is fundamental to Wing Chun.<ref name="Crudelli_122" /> On "softness" in Wing Chun, Ip Man said during an interview:

{{blockquote|Wing Chun is in some sense a "soft" school of martial arts. However, if one equates that word as weak or without strength, then they are dead wrong. Chi Sau in Wing Chun is to maintain one's flexibility and softness, all the while keeping in the strength to fight back, much like the flexible nature of bamboo".<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2013-07-11 |title=An Interview With Grandmaster Yip Man from 1972 |language=en-US |work=My Way of Wing Chun |url=https://mywayofwingchun.com/2013/07/10/interview-with-wing-chun-grandmaster-yip-man-1972/ |access-date=2018-02-10}}</ref> }}

== Forms ==
=== Most common forms ===
[[File:Butterfly Swords.png|thumb|Butterfly swords]]
The most common system of forms in Wing Chun consists of three empty hand forms, two weapon forms: the Dragon pole and Butterfly swords, and a wooden dummy form.<ref name="Wing Chun Forms">{{Cite web|url=https://blackbeltwiki.com/wing-chun-forms|title=Wing Chun Forms}}</ref>

==== [[Hand-to-hand combat|Empty hand]] ====
{{See also|Glossary of Wing Chun terms}}

===== Siu nim tau =====
The first and most important form in Wing Chun, '''siu nim tau''' ({{Lang-zh|t=小念頭|s=小念头|p=xiǎo niàn tou|j=siu2 nim6 tau4|l=little idea for beginning}}{{refn|"Nim Lik (念力)" is literally translated as "Idea Power" in CHU's 2011 book<ref name="TBOWC">{{cite book |last1=CHU |first1=Shong Tin |last2=CHAN |first2=Eddie |title=The Book of Wing Chun |date=May 2011 |publisher=The [[Hong Kong]] Social Sciences Press |isbn=978-0-8234-1474-1 |page=54 |url=https://www.everythingwingchun.com/BOOK-Chu-Shong-Tin-Book-of-Wing-Chun-1-p/book-cst01p.htm |access-date=13 July 2019}}</ref>}}), is practiced throughout the practitioner's lifetime.<ref name="wingchunkungfu.eu">{{Cite web|url=https://wingchunkungfu.eu/ip%20chun/siu-lim-tao-full-by-ip-chun|title=SIU NIM TAO: The first form of Wing Chun|date=2022-11-10|access-date=2022-11-10}}</ref>  It is the foundation or "seed" of the art, on which all succeeding forms and techniques are based.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Michel Boulet |title=The Simple Basics of a Complex Art |url=http://www.wcarchive.com/articles/michel-boulet-simple-basics.htm |access-date=2013-02-10 |publisher=the Wing Chun Archive}}</ref> Fundamental rules of balance and body structure are developed here. Using a car analogy; for some branches this would provide the chassis<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jim Fung |date=2009-02-23 |title=Wing Chun Stance |url=http://wingchun.com.au/media/wing-chun-articles/wing-chun-kung-fu-articles-essays-theory/wing-chun-stance-article-guide-how-to-grandmaster-jim-fung |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319184812/http://www.wingchun.edu.au:80/media/wing-chun-articles/jim-fung/wing-chun-stance |archive-date=2014-03-19 |access-date=2013-02-10 |website=International wing Chun academy |publisher=Wingchun.com.au}}</ref> and for others, this is the engine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-05-22 |title=The Hidden Power of Siu Nim Tau by Tsui Sheung Tin |url=http://www.tstvingtsun.bc.ca/HiddenPowerOfSNT_remix.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522102424/http://www.tstvingtsun.bc.ca/HiddenPowerOfSNT_remix.html |archive-date=2017-05-22 |access-date=2018-11-23}}</ref> It serves as the basic alphabet of the system. Some branches view the symmetrical stance as the fundamental fighting stance, while others see it as a training stance used in developing technique.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sifu Cogar |title=An Overview of Wing Chun |url=http://www.richhealthandwellness.com/martialarts2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100203231318/http://www.richhealthandwellness.com/martialarts2.html |archive-date=2010-02-03 |access-date=2007-05-04 |website=richhealthandwellness.com}}</ref>

Although many of the movements are similar, siu nim tau varies significantly between the different branches of Wing Chun.  In [[Ip Man]]'s Wing Chun, the first section of the form is done by training the basic power for the hand techniques by tensing and relaxing the arms.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kwokwingchun.com/about-wing-chun/the-wing-chun-forms/sil-lim-tao/|title=Sil Lim Tao the first form|last=Knight|first=Dan|date=March 13, 2014|website=kwokwingchun.com|language=en|access-date=2019-01-23}}</ref> In [[Moy Yat]]'s Wing Chun, the first section of the form is done without muscle tension and slowly in a meditative, calm, and being "in the moment" way.<ref name="wingchunkungfu.eu" /> In 1972, weeks before he died, Ip Man demonstrated Siu Nim Tau (also known as Siu Lim Tau) on film, showing how the form is to be performed.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wingchunkungfu.eu/documentary/video-ip-man-record-wing-chun-forms | title=Ip Man performs Wing Chun Forms }}</ref>

===== Chum kiu =====
The second form, '''chum kiu''' {{Lang-zh|t=尋橋|s=寻桥|p=xún qiáo|j=cham4 kiu4|l=seeking the bridge}}, focuses on coordinated movement of body mass and entry techniques to "bridge the gap" between practitioner and opponent, and move in to disrupt their structure and balance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Forms of Wing Chun Kuen Kung Fu &#124; Reading Academy Wing Chun & Kali |url=http://www.teamwingchun.co.uk/forms.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501000049/http://www.teamwingchun.co.uk/forms.php |archive-date=2012-05-01 |access-date=2013-02-10 |publisher=Teamwingchun.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ving Tsun Martial Arts Studio&nbsp;– Training |url=http://www.tstvingtsun.bc.ca/Training.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628121302/http://www.tstvingtsun.bc.ca/Training.html |archive-date=2013-06-28 |access-date=2013-02-10 |publisher=Tstvingtsun.bc.ca}}</ref> Close-range attacks using the elbows and knees are also developed here. It also teaches methods of recovering position and centerline when in a compromised position where Siu Nim Tau structure has been lost. For some branches, bodyweight in striking is a central theme, either from pivoting (rotational) or stepping (translational). Likewise, for some branches, this form provides the engine to the car. For branches that use the "sinking bridge" interpretation, the form has more emphasis on "uprooting", adding multi-dimensional movement and spiraling to the already developed engine.

===== Biu jee =====
The third and last form, '''biu jee''' {{Lang-zh|t=镖指|s=镖指|p=biāo zhǐ|j=biu1 ji2|l=darting fingers}}, is composed of extreme short-range and extreme long-range techniques, low kicks and sweeps, and "emergency techniques" to counter-attack when structure and centerline have been seriously compromised, such as when the practitioner is seriously injured.,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cebridge.com.au/wongwebsite/kwoon/BiuJi.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415165829/http://www.cebridge.com.au/wongwebsite/kwoon/BiuJi.htm|url-status=dead|title=City Wing Chun&nbsp;– Training Notes|archive-date=April 15, 2009}}</ref> As well as the pivoting and stepping developed in Chum Kiu, a third degree of freedom, involves more upper body, and stretching is developed for more power. Such movements include close-range elbow strikes and finger thrusts to the throat. For some branches, this is the turbo-charger of the car; for others, it can be seen as a "pit stop" kit that should never come into play, recovering your "engine" when it has been lost. Still, other branches view this form as imparting deadly "killing" and maiming techniques that should never be used without good reason. A common Wing Chun saying is, "Biu jee doesn't go out the door". Some interpret this to mean the form should be kept secret; others interpret it as meaning it should never be used if you can help it.

==== Wooden dummy ====
[[File:Muk Yan Jong-wooden doomy kung fu 2.JPG|thumb]]
[[Mu ren zhuang]] ({{Lang-zh|t=木人樁|s=木人桩|p=mù rén zhuāng|j=muk6 yan4 jong1|l=wooden dummy}}) is performed on a wooden dummy, which serves as a training tool to teach the student the use of Wing Chun Kuen's 108 movements against a live opponent.<ref name="Crudelli_122" /> There are many versions of this form which come from a variety of Wing Chun Kung Fu lineages.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

=== Other forms ===
San Sik (Chinese: {{lang|zh|散式}}; Cantonese Yale: Sáan Sīk; pinyin: Sǎn Shì; 'Separate forms'), along with the other three forms, is the basis of all Wing Chun techniques. They are compact in structure, and can be loosely grouped into three broad categories: (1) Focus on building body structure through basic punching, standing, turning, and stepping drills; (2) Fundamental arm cycles and changes, firmly ingraining the cardinal tools for interception and adaptation; (3) Sensitivity training and combination techniques.<ref>{{cite book|title=World of Martial Arts !|last1=Hill|first1=Robert|publisher=Lulu.com|year=2010|chapter=Ch5-Wing Chun|pages=|isbn=978-0-557-01663-1|url={{Google books|plainurl=yes|id=1Ze0-x2ROuQC|page=}}}}{{self-published source|date=February 2023}}</ref>

==== Weapons ====
The [[Yuen Kay Shan]] / [[Sum Nung]] branch also historically trained to throw darts (Biu).<ref name="El Español">{{cite news |last1=Javier |first1=Zaballos |title=Uno de los mejores tres maestros de kung fu en la historia de China fue Latino |url= |access-date= |work=EL Español |issue=National print edition |publisher=El Español |date=9 November 2021 |ref=El Español}}</ref>

== In film and popular culture ==
[[Sammo Hung]] directed two films about Wing Chun practitioner [[Leung Jan]]: ''[[Warriors Two]]'' (1978), in which Leung is played Sammo Hung himself, and ''[[The Prodigal Son (1981 film)|The Prodigal Son]]'' (1981), in which Leung is played by [[Yuen Biao]].

[[Donnie Yen]] played the role of Wing Chun Grandmaster Ip Man in the 2008 movie ''[[Ip Man (film)|Ip Man]]'',  and in its sequels ''[[Ip Man 2]]'',  ''[[Ip Man 3]],'' and ''[[Ip Man 4]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 Chinese Box Office records |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/china/?yr=2008&wk=50&p=.htm |access-date=2013-02-10 |publisher=Box Office Mojo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=IP Man 4 Teaser Trailer Pits Donnie Yen Against Scott Adkins |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/2019/03/18/ip-man-4-trailer-teaser/ |access-date=2019-03-20 |website=Movies |date=18 March 2019 |language=en}}</ref> The Ip Man series of movies is credited for reviving interest in the martial art in the 2010s and the Ip Man trilogy received critical acclaim in the box office. Ip Man was [[Bruce Lee]]'s master, which made the trilogy so popular. Lee was largely responsible for launching the "[[kung fu]] craze" of the 1970s.<ref name="Desser">{{cite book |last1=Desser |first1=David |title=The Cinema of Hong Kong: History, Arts, Identity |date=2002 |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |isbn=978-0-521-77602-8 |editor-last1=Fu |editor-first1=Poshek |pages=19–43 |chapter=The Kung Fu Craze: Hong Kong Cinema's First American Reception |access-date=June 10, 2020 |editor-last2=Desser |editor-first2=David |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sELZJ5vihJUC&pg=PA19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608071604/https://books.google.com/books?id=sELZJ5vihJUC&pg=PA19 |archive-date=June 8, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= Bureaucracy may be wing chun kung fu master's biggest foe  |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1589448/bureaucracy-may-be-wing-chun-kung-fu-masters-biggest-foe|access-date=September 23, 2022|date=September 11, 2014 |publisher=South China Morning Post|quote=Action star Donnie Yen helped reawaken interest in wing chun with his film Ip Man.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://people.com/movies/why-rogue-one-star-donnie-yen-performed-all-of-his-amazing-fight-scenes-blind/|title=Why Rogue One Star Donnie Yen Performed All of His Amazing Fight Scenes 'Blind'|last=Mike|first=Miller|date=2016-12-12|work=PEOPLE.com|access-date=2017-11-26|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2016-12/01/content_39828464.htm|title=Donnie Yen leaves hand and foot prints in Hollywood- China.org.cn|last=Zhang|first=Rui|date=December 1, 2016|website=china.org.cn|access-date=2017-11-26}}</ref><ref>[http://wghot.wwwwang.com/content/200910/167376.shtml 甄子丹对《叶问》票房无信心 耍咏春拳赚口碑 |网网网络] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328162538/http://wghot.wwwwang.com/content/200910/167376.shtml |date=28 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ent.people.com.cn/GB/8222/86596/195994/195995/12017243.html |title=《叶问前传》首映 叶准改口赞甄子丹学咏春很快Ip Chun says Yen learns Wing Chun Fast &#124; 人民网 People's news |work=People's Daily  |access-date=17 December 2011}}</ref>

For the 2008 American action thriller film [[Bangkok Dangerous (2008 film)|''Bangkok Dangerous'']], actor [[Nicolas Cage]] trained in Wing Chun extensively. A particular scene in the film shows Cage's skills whilst drilling moves with another Wing Chun practitioner (played by Thai actor [[Shahkrit Yamnam]]).<ref>{{cite book |title= Mixed Martial Arts' Most Wanted – The Top 10 book of Crazy Combat, Great Grappling, and Sick Submissions|last=Heath |first=Adam |author2=Hudson, David  |year=2012 |publisher=Potomac Books Inc |isbn=978-1-59797-549-0 |page= 141|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bLFgkHHOkb4C&dq=Bangkok+Dangerous+wing+chun&pg=PT141 }}</ref>

In December 2019, a new Wing Chun fighter named Leroy Smith was introduced to the [[fighting game]] ''[[Tekken 7]]'' roster as [[downloadable content]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/tekken-7-gets-a-brand-new-character-called-leroy-smith |title= Tekken 7 gets a brand new character called Leroy Smith  |last= Yin-Poole |first= Wesley|date= August 5, 2019 |website= [[Eurogamer]] |publisher= |access-date= March 3, 2023|quote=Bandai Namco has announced season three of Tekken 7 – and it adds a brand new character. Leroy Smith is described as a "seasoned master of martial arts" who, 50 years ago, lost his family and home in New York as part of a gang conflict. He's back – and he's bringing his Wing Chun with him.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://kotaku.com/new-tekken-7-character-s-dog-sidekick-is-good-and-pure-1840393709|title=New Tekken 7 Character's Dog Sidekick Is Good And Pure |last=Walker |first=Ian |date= December 12, 2019|website= Kotaku |publisher= |access-date= March 3, 2023|quote=After previously being revealed at Evo back in August, Tekken 7 newcomer Leroy Smith is finally playable via an update released earlier in the week. This elderly Wing Chun master proved popular in the fighting game community before release thanks to his unique mixture of American and Chinese fashion...}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tilt.fi/uutiset/tekken-7n-kolmas-kausi-tuo-muassaan-taysin-uuden-hahmon-tallainen-on-leroy-smith/ |title=Tekken 7:n kolmas kausi tuo muassaan täysin uuden hahmon – tällainen on Leroy Smith |trans-title=The third season of Tekken 7 brings, among other things, a completely new character – this is what Leroy Smith is like |language= Finnish|last= Herranen |first=Jaakko |date= August 5, 2019 |website= [[Tilt (Finnish TV series)|Tilt.fi]] |publisher= |access-date= March 3, 2023 |quote=Täysin uutena tuttavuutena rautanyrkkikarkeloihin liittyy  kokenut  kamppailulajien taitaja Leroy Smith. 50 vuotta sitten perheensä menettänyt veteraani hallitsee legendaarisen Wing Chun -taistelulajin. Smith liittyy hahmorepertuaariin ennen vuoden loppua.<br />Translation: ''Experienced martial arts expert Leroy Smith joins the iron fists as a completely new acquaintance. A veteran who lost his family 50 years ago commands the legendary martial art of Wing Chun. Smith will join the cast before the end of the year.''}}</ref> When creating characters to represent real-world martial arts, the [[Bandai-Namco|developers]] wanted to introduce a new fighter utilizing Wing Chun. The developers consulted a student of Ip Man's nephew, who provided [[motion capture]] for the character.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 27, 2020 |title=TEKKEN 7 – Dev Diary: Leroy Smith & Fahkumram |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiCRBcl1IFM  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/BiCRBcl1IFM| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|access-date=2020-01-29 |website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

== Notable practitioners ==
<!--Avoid vanity edits, as they quallify as COI. Category suffices beyond short list-->
<!--No fictional examples here-->
{{for|practitioners of Wing Chun|Category:Wing Chun practitioners}}

== See also ==
* [[Chinese martial arts]]
* [[Wing Chun terms]]
* [[Wushu (sport)|Wushu]]
* [[List of films featuring Wing Chun]]

== Bibliography ==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book|title=The Definitive Guide to Wing Chun's History and Tradition|last1=Chu|first1=Robert|last2=Ritchie|first2=Rene|last3=Wu|first3=Y.|publisher=Tuttle Publishing|year=2015|isbn=978-1-4629-1753-2|url={{Google books|plainurl=yes|id=Ux0NCwAAQBAJ}}}}
* {{cite book|title=Roots and Branches of Wing Tsun, Second edition (January 1, 2000)|last1=Leung|first1=Ting|publisher=Leung Ting Co ,Hong Kong|year=2000|isbn=962-7284-23-8|url= https://www.scribd.com/document/159561680/Roots-of-Wing-Tsun}}
* {{cite book|author=Benjamin N. Judkins & Jon Nielson|title=The Creation of Wing Chun: A Social History of the Southern Chinese Martial Arts|year=2015|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=978-1-4384-5695-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ub00CgAAQBAJ}}
{{refend}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline}}
*[https://wingchunhospitalet.es/en/glossary-of-wing-chun-techniques-and-movements/ List of Wing Chun techniques]

== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name=Chu1>{{Harvnb|Chu|Ritchie|Wu|2015|pp=1–2}}</ref>
<ref name=Chu2>{{Harvnb|Chu|Ritchie|Wu|2015|pp=4–27}}</ref>
<ref name=Chu3>{{Harvnb|Chu|Ritchie|Wu|2015|pp=28–44}}</ref>
<ref name=Chu4>{{Harvnb|Chu|Ritchie|Wu|2015|pp=45–52}}</ref>
<ref name=Chu5>{{Harvnb|Chu|Ritchie|Wu|2015|pp=69–77}}</ref>
<ref name=Chu6>{{Harvnb|Chu|Ritchie|Wu|2015|pp=78–82}}</ref>
<ref name=Chu7>{{Harvnb|Chu|Ritchie|Wu|2015|pp=83–89}}</ref>
<ref name=Chu8>{{Harvnb|Chu|Ritchie|Wu|2015|pp=53–68}}</ref>
<ref name=Chu9>{{Harvnb|Chu|Ritchie|Wu|2015|pp=90–99}}</ref>
}}

{{Ip Man}}
{{Bruce Lee}}
{{martial arts}}
{{Guangdong topics}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Chinese martial arts]]
[[Category:Chinese swordsmanship]]
[[Category:Wing Chun]]
[[Category:Buddhist martial arts]]