| Wing Chun has at its core the idea of a middle path or | | | | flurry of action which negates an attacker's ability to |
| in Taoist philosophy - "taking the middle road". This is a | | | | find a defensive weakness. |
| strategy of maintaining balance and avoiding extremes | | | | Sticky hands |
| of behaviour and keeping both sides of the "path" in | | | | "Sticky hands" is a vital technique within Wing Chun |
| sight. Again the influence of Taoism can be seen here | | | | Kuen kung fu. Sticky hands is a translation of "Chi Sau" |
| with the concept of "Yin" and "Yang" - the blending of | | | | and during practise in class the students will use |
| softness with hardness. At its heart Wing Chun is a | | | | "sheung chi sau" or "double sticky hands" which is a |
| defensive art which is not that effective against | | | | safer way of learning the technique. |
| multiple opponents so effective striking and defense is | | | | Chi Sau allows the student to control an attack and |
| paramount. | | | | strike back by preventing an opponent from striking at |
| Let's look at two of the important aspects of Wing | | | | will. To see the technique in action has been compared |
| Chun Kung fu training. | | | | to a fighter holding onto other fighters arms thus |
| The Centre line theory | | | | stopping any reaction. By developing the areas of |
| The centre line theory is one of the most important | | | | sensitivity, stamina and power through the sticky hands |
| principles within Wing Chun style - a foundational | | | | technique the new student can make good progress in |
| concept upon which the others depend. The centre line | | | | kung fu training by raising their awareness of |
| protects the primary "vulnerable" points and areas | | | | themselves and their opponent. |
| within the body as well as being a strategy for | | | | There are many more aspects to this style of Kung |
| attacking. By moving outward from the centre line, the | | | | Fu which have helped turn it into one of the most |
| practitioner seeks to give no avenue or opening for an | | | | durable and powerful martial arts today. |
| aggressor to penetrate inwards. There is a blinding | | | | |