VISIT OUR SHOP! Jeet Kune Do Straight Lead

The Philosophy of Wing Tsun Kung Fu Training

Author: Julian Hitch
Date Posted: January 14, 2009

The art of Chinese Wing Tsun Kung-Fu was described by the ancient masters as a 'living philosophy.'

Wing Tsun, at the highest level, teaches you to understand yourself and how to interact with other human beings. Based on the amalgamation of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian principles, the etiquette of Wing Tsun is aimed at enshrining important ideals in its practitioners. These include a true appreciation of honour, loyalty, dignity, respect for other human beings and control of ones ego, emotions and temper. Without these a person can never master himself, or the art of Wing Tsun, as these two are synonymous.

It is these unique characteristics which has led to the art being widely regarded as 'the noble Wing Tsun.' The ultimate aim of Wing Tsun, therefore is the development of the student. Indeed, 'Si-Fu' means 'Father-Teacher', an acknowledgement of the responsibility of the Master when he accepts someone as his 'todai' (son). This in unlike most other Martial Arts, such as Karate where 'Sensei' simply means 'Teacher'.

Wing Tsun also has three sides to it: Physical, Spiritual and Health. To find schools that teach these three together is unfortunately rare. Physical techniques can be copied, but spiritual guidance and understanding requires a true master. One of the most important teachings in Wing Tsun is that as a student's physical techniques develop, he/she also develops as a person.

To truly comprehend the Martial Art does not require you to be or become Chinese, you simply need to understand the teachings of previous and current masters of the system. Logically, however, this is only possible if you appreciate the historical and social background to it. Thus, every part of the martial art that is ignored or changed before it is properly learnt undermines its foundations.

If you take away the etiquette or culture then you take away the history. If you take away the history of the martial art, then what are you learning? Simply a series of moves without any understanding or principles behind them. This is not a true martial art.

This need to understand the Martial Art as a whole is no different than if you wished to study for instance the humanities or even law. Hilaire Barnett was clear on this point in her book Constitutional and Administrative Law stating "to study the UK's constitution successfully, it is necessary to gain an insight into the history, politics and political philosophy which underpin the constitution, it is an essential component without which the structure, law and policies of the state cannot be understood."

About The Author

Si-Fu Julian Hitch, Wing Tsun Kung Fu Master, oversees the schools, teaching the instructors and senior students. He teaches a large number of high level martial artists of all styles, including National Champions. Si-Fu Julian was the first western student ever accepted by Master Máday Norbert (Chief instructor of the Eastern European Wing Tsun Organisation). Additionally he has travelled round the world to train with some of the highest graded martial artists. Visit the site at http://www.julianhitchmase.com/ to find out more about Wing Tsun Kung Fu Training.

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of Wing Chun articles.

Write an online review and share your thoughts with other readers!