Something I get asked frequently is about what forms and curriculums are introduced at what stages, as well as why.
In general, most WC/VT/WT styles teach somewhat the same levels at the same stages, but there are differences. Let’s take a brief look at how the AWCA approaches this and what happens when certain levels are introduced at the appropriate and inappropriate times.
Siu-Nim-Tau
The beginning stage of training is universal amongst the lineages, and this is the Siu-Nim-Tau. Meaning Little-Idea form, this level teaches the practitioner how to create a strong foundation, how to perform work the upper body in basic attack and defense postures, how to breathe, and also how to direct his/her force along the most efficient angles.
Everything in life has a beginning, and in Wing Chun, that beginning is the Siu-Nim-Tau. In fact, it is so important that even after learning the whole system, we continue to rely on the Siu-Nim-Tau for correction and reinforcement, since it is here that the literal foundation of what we do exists.
Chi-dan-sau
During the Siu-Nim-Tau, we engage in Chi-dan-sau, or Single-arm Sticking-hand. Wing Chun movements and applications are very effective in and of themselves, but without Chi-sau, we must still engage the process of having to think about what to do. Because movement responds much faster than seeing it, processing it, and responding to it, Chi-sau removes the “processing it” phase by simply reacting to what the arms feel.
Not all WC/VT/WT methods work single-arm, mind you, but those that do will readily see the importance of getting to spend time learning the intricacies of this phase. It has shown to be an extremely beneficial pre-stage to double arm actions and generally results in learning double-arm concepts quicker and more efficiently.
Chum-Kiu
When a practitioner’s Siu-Nim-Tau and Chi-dan-sau are competent, he/she will begin learning the Chum-Kiu. Meaning Arm-Seeking form, this is the point where we learn angling, creating torque in the body, working elbow attacks/defenses, stepping, pivoting, and learning Wing Chun’s kicking methods.
Some might see the Chum-Kiu as merely a “bridge” to the Biu-Tze, but it is much more than that. Without a thorough study of this level, it will be extremely difficult to engage attackers larger than you. It will also be difficult to respond against non-Wing Chun opponents, as well as those skilled in kicking.
In combination, the Siu-Nim-Tau and Chum-Kiu concepts can be a devastating response to most attackers one would find in today’s world. Add Chi-sau to the mix and you have a very potent response.
Chi-sheung-sau
During the first section of Chum-Kiu, we elevate the single-arm Chi-sau training to now include double-arm. Called Chi-sheung-sau, or Double-arm Sticking-hands, it is this phase that most associate when they see Chi-sau demonstrations.
There are various stages of Chi-sheung-sau, such as Poon-sau (Rolling-arms) and Luk-sau (Rolling-arms with forward energy), as well as Gor-sau, Nuk-sau, and Lat-sau. The latter phases involve sparring qualities in which we can work our skill sets from beginning to advanced levels, varied only by what we want to include. From basic sparring to full-power, plugs-out, anything-goes fighting, it is a controlled session in which we not only work Wing Chun to its fullest but also do so in a way that can be learned from.
At the AWCA, there are seven Chi-sau sections encompassing the Siu-Nim-Tau and Chum-Kiu concepts. In addition, there are six Lap-sau attack and defense sections that compliment and contribute to Chi-sau fighting.
Lap-sau
Lap-sau, or Deflecting-arm, is a supplemental phase that teaches us how to absorb, deflect, and make use of the attacker’s force. In tandem with Chi-sau, it basically puts us on auto-pilot so that any situation is immediately responded to by either going through or creating opportunities for attack. It is so important to the nature of Wing Chun that entire blocks of instruction have been created to take advantage of the qualities it relates.
Biu-Tze
The final empty-hand form is Biu-Tze. Meaning Thrusting-Fingers form, this advanced level assumes that you are in a life-or-death situation and must address it with permanent or fatal response.
Some feel that its primary purpose is to teach how to regain a lost centerline, but these elements were already addressed in the Siu-Nim-Tau and Chum-Kiu, as well as Chi-sau guiding you through them. Instead, the Biu-Tze has one primary purpose: inflict the most damage as possible, even fatal if needed. This is why this curriculum is never taught to another unless that individual has demonstrated a strong and upright moral character.
Like the Siu-Nim-Tau and Chum-Kiu Chi-sau levels, the AWCA also works a Biu-Tze Chi-sau curriculum that takes advantage of even closer distances such as the elbows, knees, grappling, and takedowns.
Muk-Yan-Chong
When the empty-hand curriculums have been shown to be competent, the practitioner graduates to the Muk-Yan-Chong, or Wooden Dummy form. Here we learn to more competently unite the upper and lower bodies, create short-range explosive power, and manuever around a strong, forceful attacker. The wooden dummy is an excellent correctional tool, but only in the hands of one that has completed all training that came before it.
And as with the empty-hand forms, the AWCA includes a Chi-sau level that is applied to the wooden dummy. It is not explicity for expecting the same compression we would feel with a live partner, mind you; instead, it is to learn how to move ourselves around non-movable forces, which mimics engagement with extremely strong and powerful attackers.
Luk-Dim-Boon-Kwun
The first formal weapon learning in Wing Chun is the Luk-Dim-Boon-Kwun, or Six-and-a-Half Point long pole. There are three stages to this weapon: 1. Pre-pole stance training to strengthen the body and learn precision, 2. Strength training with the pole itself, and 3. Chi-kwun, which is the Chi-sau concept applied to the pole. When these areas are competent – which can take 6 months to 1 year to complete – then the actual pole form itself is learned, followed with all drills and applications.
Bart-Cham-Dao
The final level of Wing Chun training culminates with the Bart-Cham-Dao. Meaning Eight-Cutting Broadswords, the double knives are the epitome of Wing Chun fighting because they apply the empty-hand concepts to weapons fighting.
It is with the Bart-Cham-Dao that you will also find the most advanced of Wing Chun footwork, too. Far too many practioners will advance their training to the double knives before they are ready, and in turn they will create a poor skill set that will also directly – and negatively – impact their empty-hand skill sets. This is why it is so important to learn progressively vs. jumping ahead before one is ready.
Conclusion
The system is structured as it is for a reason. If we jump ahead before we are ready, then we set ourselves up for failure. That is why it is so important to remind those at all levels to take your time and progess in a correct manner.
It is very tempting to see an eBook or video that addresses a level we are not ready for, and then engage that training with the mindset that we can still learn effectively. However, that is rarely the case. More often than not, it creates a poor skill set in what we do know.
Think about the overview I described here and use that to gauge where you currently are and where you are going. Take it slowly, work through each phase of training to competence and completion, and then move ahead. Remember that the end result is not the true goal; instead, it is the journey getting there where our real training is embedded.
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