Weng chun
Encyclopedia
Weng chun kung fu is an ancient martial art, which was originally practised in the Southern Shaolin Temple in China. Weng chun in its present form has been preserved and developed by Grand Master Andreas Hoffmann.
The ultimate goal in Weng Chun is complete mastery of both the body and the mind.
Weng Chun fung fu reflects this path in five levels of wisdom stretching for the basic understanding of phyisical moves such as how to throw a punch all the way to complete mastery of the body and mind, where the philosophy of fung fu extends to all aspects of the practioner's life.
The basic level is known as Ying, which teaches basic forms and shapes. Ying can be considered the study of "what" techniques there are in combat, such as how to punch, or kick. The student achieves a deeper understanding of how to make these moves at the next level, known as Yi, where the principles used in Weng Chun are learned. Yi teaches the bridges and techniques employed in combat, focusing on the 18 Kiu Sao concepts. The third level, Lei then considers the shapes and forms employed in Ying and Yi and interalises these into an instinctive system, helped by mastering the forms through repetition. The student's skills developed in fighting can then be extended into other aspects of their lives, where discipline, self control and othere qualities can be employed into a philosophy of living the fung fu life. The next level is known as Faat (in Buddhism Dharma) which explores the methods, or ways of understanding reality. In Shaolin Weng Chun reality is exressed in space/time (heaven), energy (human) and gravity/identity (earth).
Finally Seut, meaning skill and showmanship relates to the expression of Weng Chun in our everyday lives where discipline, respect and the correct interaction with others is realised. The practitioner has achieved mastery and all their actions are reflected in the fung fu life.
1. Tai (to raise). This principle deploys any upward movement and is primarily used to destroy the balance of the attacker;
2. Lan (to lock, or control). Lan is used to close down the attacker and enables the practioner to counter attack;
3. Dim (point shock). Used for example when striking, it focuses the attck on a point in order to shock the attacker;
4. Kit (tear and open up). Effectively a two-part principle, kit involves closing down an attack and creating an opening in its place;
5. Got (half circle downwards). Used for example to stop, or block an oppenent's strike;
6. Wun (circle). Circling is a central principle in Weng Chun and encompasses a ranging of moves that employ a circling movement;
7. Lau (flow). The last principle of flowing is considered a half principle in Weng Chun, but is perhaps the most important as when combined with the other principles it brings Weng Chun to life.
1. Tiu - But: Sideways movement of the arms or legs in a windscreen-wiper motion, used to control the attacker;
2. Da - Pun: Strike and fold;
3. Jaau - Lai: Push and pull;
4. See - Che: Shock by puling and striking;
5. Kam - Na: Catch and control by locking;
6. Fung Bai: Trap, or stop and build a barrier;
7. Bik - Hip: conering and overrunning the opponent;
8. Tun - Tuo: Swallow and spit by absorbing and striking;
9. Bok - Saat: Guide and surf opponent then attack.
A short video demonstrating the 18 Kui Sao can be seen here: GM Andreas Hoffman explaining kui sao
Weng chun forms include:
Weng Chun Kuen (Perpetual Spring Fist)
The Weng Chun (Sap Yat) Kuen is the core set of weng chun, a basic practice form consisting of 11 sections, which is applied in Chi Sao. In fact, it could also be termed more of a “theory” than a “form” – a set of methods for optimizing the free use of the body to win over a strong attacker introducing the 18 Kiu Sao of weng chun.
Fa Kuen (Flower Fist)
The flower is the symbol of the Sim (Chan/Zen) philosophy and the body work of Weng Chun Kuen and Fa Kuen was made famous by Grandmaster Chu Chung Man. This set teaches how to use the entire body for both long and short distance fighting. In the Weng Chun family there are different versions of Fa Kuen: short versions, long versions and even different sets with the name Fa Kuen.
Luk Dim Boon Kuen (Six and a Half Point principle form)
This form teaches the feeling and understanding of the 6½ principles and concepts as originally taught in the Six and a Half Point Pole form (Luk Dim Boon Kwun) as detailed below. Like many of the concepts used in Weng Chun, this develops principles originally used with weapons and applies them to the unarmed practitioner.
Saam Pai Fat (Three Bows to Buddha)
According to the Lo family, Saam Pai Fat is the advanced Weng Chun set of Sun Gam (Dai Fa Min Gam) of the Red Boat Opera. Like its matching set, Weng Chun Kuen, Saam Pai Fat consists of eleven sections. Its focus is to expand the ability of the Weng Chun Kuen practitioner to cover all of space and time through the concept of bowing to Heaven, Earth, and Man. A video clip of GM Andreas Hoffman demonstrating Saam Pai Fat can be seen here.
Jong Kuen (Structure Fist)
Jong Kuen (also known as Siong Kung Jong Kuen because in the final Weng Chun teaching it melds internal and external power), combines fast, agile steps in all directions with whole body movement. The set includes all concepts and principles from the long pole, wooden dummy, etc. In appearance, this last, traditional Weng Chun set looks similar to a combination of Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, and Baguazhang.
Ng Jong Hei Gung (Five Posture Qi Gong)
Ng Jong Hei Gong teaches five postures for the cultivation of Hei (Qi), and the development of strong, Weng Chun Kuen body structure. It opens the small and the Large Heaven Qi circles and balances the Qi of the inner organs.
Muk Yan Jong (Wooden Dummy)
The Muk Yan Jong contains three sets: Tien Pun (Heaven), Dei Pun (Earth), and Yan Pun (Human). In them are contained the fighting methods of the Muk Yan Hong, the Wooden Dummy Hall of the Southern Shaolin Temple. The Wooden Dummy is not used just to strengthen forearms or shins, but with the sensitivity found in Chi Sao.
Luk Dim Boon Kwun (Six and a Half Point Pole)
The pole is the heart of Weng Chun Kuen. With it comes the feeling and understanding of the 6½ principles and concepts used in all types of fighting. The set begins with Hei Gung that teaches to control space through “spring” footwork, and continues on to challenge practitioners to make use of their whole bodies.
Kwun Jong (Pole Dummy)
The long range wooden dummy was, in times past, the secret of Weng Chun Kuen, the fourth and final dummy from the Muk Yan Hong (Wooden Dummy Hall) of the Southern Shaolin Temple. It teaches to close the gap over and over again.
Fu Mo Siong Dao (Father & Mother Double Knives)
The Father & Mother Double Knives gives a practical fighting system with sharp weapons and introduces the concept of Yum Yeung (Yin and Yang). The transfer of pole principles to sharp, double-handed weapons also increases fighting spirit.
Description
Chi Sim Weng Chun is considered a "soft" style of martial art in that it utilises the energy of the opponent to break their structure rather than trying to match their energy. The main focus is on combining physical fitness with the health of both the body and mind. This is achieved through a combination of hard physical training and a deep underlying philosophy of understanding the body's movements and how and why they are employed.The ultimate goal in Weng Chun is complete mastery of both the body and the mind.
History
There are many interpretations of the history of Weng Chun kung fu. The chronological history according to Grandmaster Andreas Hoffmann is detailed on the main Weng Chun website. Other accounts have been documented by others including an extensive history of Weng Chun by Benny Meng and Jeremy Roadruck from the vtmuseum.Philosophy
The philosophy of Weng Chun kung fu, like many martial arts relates to a way of life that goes much deeper than just fighting. Indeed the traditional philospohy of kung fu relates to how to live one's life, rather than discovering truth in reality.Weng Chun fung fu reflects this path in five levels of wisdom stretching for the basic understanding of phyisical moves such as how to throw a punch all the way to complete mastery of the body and mind, where the philosophy of fung fu extends to all aspects of the practioner's life.
The basic level is known as Ying, which teaches basic forms and shapes. Ying can be considered the study of "what" techniques there are in combat, such as how to punch, or kick. The student achieves a deeper understanding of how to make these moves at the next level, known as Yi, where the principles used in Weng Chun are learned. Yi teaches the bridges and techniques employed in combat, focusing on the 18 Kiu Sao concepts. The third level, Lei then considers the shapes and forms employed in Ying and Yi and interalises these into an instinctive system, helped by mastering the forms through repetition. The student's skills developed in fighting can then be extended into other aspects of their lives, where discipline, self control and othere qualities can be employed into a philosophy of living the fung fu life. The next level is known as Faat (in Buddhism Dharma) which explores the methods, or ways of understanding reality. In Shaolin Weng Chun reality is exressed in space/time (heaven), energy (human) and gravity/identity (earth).
Finally Seut, meaning skill and showmanship relates to the expression of Weng Chun in our everyday lives where discipline, respect and the correct interaction with others is realised. The practitioner has achieved mastery and all their actions are reflected in the fung fu life.
Understanding distances and vectors
Three main distances are recognised in Weng chun: Heaven (far), Earth (near, or close) and Man (contact). Each distance involves employing different strategies. Heaven and earth distances require the practitioner to bridge the gap between opponents whereby circling is employed as a basis for movements such as forwards/backwards (tan/to), or tiu (to sink) for example. There are 18 bridges in Kiu Sao (bridging arm) to achieve this and six vectors including forwards/backwards, left/right and up/down, all used in combination.Principles
There are two sets of principles employed in Weng Chun: The seven principles developed from the pole form (often referred to as the 6 1/2 principles) and the more advanced 18 principles employed in Kui Sao (bridging hands).The 6 1/2 principles
The basic seven principles employed in Weng Chun fung fu are described by Grandmaster Andreas Hoffman in Budo International magazine (PDF) page 20., although they are often referred to as the six and half principles. These stem from the Luk Dim Boon Kwun long pole form, which is practised in both Weng Chun and Wing ChunWing Chun. Grandmaster Andreas Hoffmann has developed a further form known as Luk Bim Boon Kuen to teach these principles without the need for the long pole. Together they form the basis of Weng Chun and include:1. Tai (to raise). This principle deploys any upward movement and is primarily used to destroy the balance of the attacker;
2. Lan (to lock, or control). Lan is used to close down the attacker and enables the practioner to counter attack;
3. Dim (point shock). Used for example when striking, it focuses the attck on a point in order to shock the attacker;
4. Kit (tear and open up). Effectively a two-part principle, kit involves closing down an attack and creating an opening in its place;
5. Got (half circle downwards). Used for example to stop, or block an oppenent's strike;
6. Wun (circle). Circling is a central principle in Weng Chun and encompasses a ranging of moves that employ a circling movement;
7. Lau (flow). The last principle of flowing is considered a half principle in Weng Chun, but is perhaps the most important as when combined with the other principles it brings Weng Chun to life.
The 18 principles in Kui Sao
Kui Sao enables the fighter to adopt a position, or perfect their timing to have the greatest effect with the least use of force, which enables them to easily deal with their opponent. The more advanced 18 bridging (kiu) principles as described by Grandmaster Andreas Hoffman in Budo International, issue 55 are taught in nine matching (yin & yang) pairs, which include:1. Tiu - But: Sideways movement of the arms or legs in a windscreen-wiper motion, used to control the attacker;
2. Da - Pun: Strike and fold;
3. Jaau - Lai: Push and pull;
4. See - Che: Shock by puling and striking;
5. Kam - Na: Catch and control by locking;
6. Fung Bai: Trap, or stop and build a barrier;
7. Bik - Hip: conering and overrunning the opponent;
8. Tun - Tuo: Swallow and spit by absorbing and striking;
9. Bok - Saat: Guide and surf opponent then attack.
A short video demonstrating the 18 Kui Sao can be seen here: GM Andreas Hoffman explaining kui sao
Weng Chun Forms
All Weng Chun forms consist of standardised movements, with which the basic principles of Weng Chun are internalised. Regular training internalises the movements into the mind and body, so that they can be called up spontaneously in self defence. The forms offer the advantage that they can be trained at any time and any place, either alone or in groups.Weng chun forms include:
Weng Chun Kuen (Perpetual Spring Fist)
The Weng Chun (Sap Yat) Kuen is the core set of weng chun, a basic practice form consisting of 11 sections, which is applied in Chi Sao. In fact, it could also be termed more of a “theory” than a “form” – a set of methods for optimizing the free use of the body to win over a strong attacker introducing the 18 Kiu Sao of weng chun.
Fa Kuen (Flower Fist)
The flower is the symbol of the Sim (Chan/Zen) philosophy and the body work of Weng Chun Kuen and Fa Kuen was made famous by Grandmaster Chu Chung Man. This set teaches how to use the entire body for both long and short distance fighting. In the Weng Chun family there are different versions of Fa Kuen: short versions, long versions and even different sets with the name Fa Kuen.
Luk Dim Boon Kuen (Six and a Half Point principle form)
This form teaches the feeling and understanding of the 6½ principles and concepts as originally taught in the Six and a Half Point Pole form (Luk Dim Boon Kwun) as detailed below. Like many of the concepts used in Weng Chun, this develops principles originally used with weapons and applies them to the unarmed practitioner.
Saam Pai Fat (Three Bows to Buddha)
According to the Lo family, Saam Pai Fat is the advanced Weng Chun set of Sun Gam (Dai Fa Min Gam) of the Red Boat Opera. Like its matching set, Weng Chun Kuen, Saam Pai Fat consists of eleven sections. Its focus is to expand the ability of the Weng Chun Kuen practitioner to cover all of space and time through the concept of bowing to Heaven, Earth, and Man. A video clip of GM Andreas Hoffman demonstrating Saam Pai Fat can be seen here.
Jong Kuen (Structure Fist)
Jong Kuen (also known as Siong Kung Jong Kuen because in the final Weng Chun teaching it melds internal and external power), combines fast, agile steps in all directions with whole body movement. The set includes all concepts and principles from the long pole, wooden dummy, etc. In appearance, this last, traditional Weng Chun set looks similar to a combination of Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, and Baguazhang.
Ng Jong Hei Gung (Five Posture Qi Gong)
Ng Jong Hei Gong teaches five postures for the cultivation of Hei (Qi), and the development of strong, Weng Chun Kuen body structure. It opens the small and the Large Heaven Qi circles and balances the Qi of the inner organs.
Muk Yan Jong (Wooden Dummy)
The Muk Yan Jong contains three sets: Tien Pun (Heaven), Dei Pun (Earth), and Yan Pun (Human). In them are contained the fighting methods of the Muk Yan Hong, the Wooden Dummy Hall of the Southern Shaolin Temple. The Wooden Dummy is not used just to strengthen forearms or shins, but with the sensitivity found in Chi Sao.
Luk Dim Boon Kwun (Six and a Half Point Pole)
The pole is the heart of Weng Chun Kuen. With it comes the feeling and understanding of the 6½ principles and concepts used in all types of fighting. The set begins with Hei Gung that teaches to control space through “spring” footwork, and continues on to challenge practitioners to make use of their whole bodies.
Kwun Jong (Pole Dummy)
The long range wooden dummy was, in times past, the secret of Weng Chun Kuen, the fourth and final dummy from the Muk Yan Hong (Wooden Dummy Hall) of the Southern Shaolin Temple. It teaches to close the gap over and over again.
Fu Mo Siong Dao (Father & Mother Double Knives)
The Father & Mother Double Knives gives a practical fighting system with sharp weapons and introduces the concept of Yum Yeung (Yin and Yang). The transfer of pole principles to sharp, double-handed weapons also increases fighting spirit.