Way of the Little Idea

Wing chun has a several unarmed 'forms' which are intended for practice on your own.

The first and most important is called Siu Nim Tao which translates as the 'way of the little idea'. 

Wing chun forms (called patterns or kata in other styles) are not routines based on fight simulations but are instead sets of developmental exercises which concentrate on simple movements which can be applied in multiple situations and train the body and mind to work in synchronicity, they provide a toolkit which can be used in any number of different ways.  

Wing chun is a concept driven style but one focused on basic human biomechanics rather than mimicking aspects of other animals for example. Skill is developed through practice of forms and through contact drills with opponents.

Some of the most important concepts include:

• The centre-line theory - Where to defend and where to attack.
• The centre of mass - How to use your body-mass to its greatest effect.
• Grounding - How to retain your balance in motion and how to manage incoming and outgoing force.
• Triangulation  - How to deflect incoming attacks and deliver your own at the same time.
• Bridging - Making contact with an opponents arms or legs and taking control quickly.

If you want to go into any of these in more depth, check out our other articles