Wing Chun, Ip Man & Tai Chi
Self Defense
The art of self defense is one thing many now arm themselves with as they go about their daily undertakings. Bottom line, in these unpredictable times, danger is always lurking around the corner, waiting for opportune moments to strike.
With the principles of self defense, one stands to have a chance against evil elements of society, like muggers and robbers.
Wing Chun, a Chinese martial art form, stands to be one of the many martial arts which is fast being embraced by many as their means of self defense against the dangers of society. As a form of self defense, Wing Chun boasts to be an impressive form.
Wing Chun, when Romanized is pronounced as Wing Tsun or Ving Tsun, literally means “spring chant”, and “forever spring” alternatively.
Wing Chun is basically a Chinese martial art which is known to specialize in aggressive close-distance/range combat.
The origin of Wing Chun as a Martial Art is basically no different from all other forms of Chinese Martial arts.
Historically, the lessons, practices and traditions of Wing Chun were passed from teacher to student, who in turn eventually becomes a teacher teaching his/her line of students, in an oral manner, making it difficult to exactly pinpoint or give a clear definition regarding Wing Chun’s foundation.
As an oral tradition, there are many accounts regarding Wing Chun’s founding as a martial art. One legend talks about a young woman, named Yim Wing Chun. Yim Wing Chun, whose name meant beautiful springtime, rebuffed a local warlord’s marriage proposal.
The warlord, said he would agree to rescind his proposal, if Yim Wing Chun could defeat him in a fight. In an effort to prepare herself, Yim Wing Chun goes to Ng Mui, a local Buddhist, to teach her some boxing moves. Eventually, a fighting style is developed, enabling Yim Win Chung to defeat the proposing warlord. The warlord, impressed with the fighting technique, is taught the fighting style, and names it after Yim Wing Chung.
On a more historical note, Wing Chun appears to have started in records when third party documentation regarding the Martial Art started to appear during the era of Leung Jan, a Wing Chun master. These third party documentation stands as a much more verifiable documentation regarding the Martial Art.
If one is out entertaining the thought of learning a Martial Art, for its self defense value, Wing Chun would be one good martial art class worth taking lessons.
It was in the news, the new kung fu movie Ip Man has inspired many wanting to take up classes in Wing Chun. Li Xiao Long was the famous disciple of Ip Man the master; and Li Xiao Long was famous for his skills and kung fu. I have never learnt Wing Chun before, but it would be interesting to learn some of its skills. But as my tai chi master advised us, Li passed on early because he was too “yang”, and neglected the “yin” side of the practice for health and longevity.
Therefore, one must be careful not to go to the extreme sides of things, even in learning kung fu. Kung Fu is not just about being aggresive and fighting all the way. In life, everything is about balance. I have always loved the story of Zhang San Feng. I pick up Tai Chi again because I admire master Zhang San Feng, who had achieved deep realizations of Tao – the yin and yang of life. It is his lineage that I seek.
