| The art of Chinese Wing Tsun Kung-Fu was | | | | teachings in Wing Tsun is that as a student's physical |
| described by the ancient masters as a 'living | | | | techniques develop, he/she also develops as a person. |
| philosophy.' | | | | To truly comprehend the Martial Art does not require |
| Wing Tsun, at the highest level, teaches you to | | | | you to be or become Chinese, you simply need to |
| understand yourself and how to interact with other | | | | understand the teachings of previous and current |
| human beings. Based on the amalgamation of Buddhist, | | | | masters of the system. Logically, however, this is only |
| Taoist and Confucian principles, the etiquette of Wing | | | | possible if you appreciate the historical and social |
| Tsun is aimed at enshrining important ideals in its | | | | background to it. Thus, every part of the martial art |
| practitioners. These include a true appreciation of | | | | that is ignored or changed before it is properly learnt |
| honour, loyalty, dignity, respect for other human beings | | | | undermines its foundations. |
| and control of ones ego, emotions and temper. | | | | If you take away the etiquette or culture then you take |
| Without these a person can never master himself, or | | | | away the history. If you take away the history of the |
| the art of Wing Tsun, as these two are synonymous. | | | | martial art, then what are you learning? Simply a series |
| It is these unique charcteristics which has led to the art | | | | of movies without any understanding or principles |
| being widely regarded as 'the noble Wing Tsun.' The | | | | behind them. This is not a true martial art. |
| ultimate aim of Wing Tsun, therefore is the | | | | This need to understand the Martial Art as a whole is |
| development of the student. Indeed, 'Si-Fu' means | | | | no different than if you wished to study for instance |
| 'Father-Teacher', an aknowledgement of the | | | | the humanities or even law. Hilaire Barnett was clear |
| responsiblity of the Master when he accepts someone | | | | on this point in her book Constitutional and |
| as his 'todai' (son). This in unlike most other Martial Arts, | | | | Administrative Law stating "to study the UK's |
| such as Karate where 'Sensei' simply means 'Teacher'. | | | | constitution successfully, it is necessary to gain an |
| Wing Tsun also has three sides to it: Physical, Spiritual | | | | insight into the history, politics and political philosphy |
| and Health. To find schools that teach these three | | | | which underpin the constitution, it is an essential |
| together is unfortunately rare. Physical techniques can | | | | component without which the structure, law and |
| be copied, but spiritual guidance and understanding | | | | policies of the state cannot be understood. |
| requires a true master. One of the most important | | | | |