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The Wing Chun Forms – An Overview

Wing Chun consists of three empty hand forms, two weapon forms, and a wooden dummy form.

In comparison to some other martial arts having only three hand forms is a small number.  However, in Wing Chun, the forms are used as a reference for fighting rather than a set of moves which must be replicated as a sequence to be used in a fighting situation, as tends to be the case in other martial arts.  Instead, the Wing Chun forms must first be learned to grasp the techniques, but then used as a basis from which to understand the underlying principles so that they can be applied spontaneously in a number of different applications.

3 Empty Hand Forms – Siu Lim Tao, Chum Kiu and Biu Jee

The three empty hand forms of Wing Chun are Siu Lim Tao, Chum Kiu and Biu Jee:

Sil Lim Tau

Roughly translated as ‘the Little Idea for Beginning’, Sil Lim Tao is the first and most important form in Wing Chun.  It is the foundation on which the other forms and techniques depend as it is responsible for developing a strong base – both in terms of the basic stance (in the lower body), but also balance, relaxation and whole-body structure necessary for the correctly use power and energy in the hand techniques. 

Sil Lim Tao is divided into three sections, with a total of one hundred and eight movements.  It develops an essential toolkit of blocks and strikes that is added to in later forms.

Chum Kiu

Roughly translated as ‘Seeking Bridge’, Chum Kiu takes the structure built within Sil Lim Tau and trains in how to move the whole body to “bridge the gap” between the student and their opponent.  It introduces coordinated movement with footwork and kicks working at the same time as the hands.  

It uses body and foot positioning along with turning to enable the student to deal with threats from multiple directions.   It also develops an understanding and ability of the student to use the movement of their own structure to disrupt the opponent’s structure and balance. 

It develops close-range attacks using the elbows and knees.  It also introduces the recovery of position and centreline where the structural limitations of the forward-facing Yee Che Kim Yeung Ma Siu Lim Tau stance are exceeded.

Biu Jee

Roughly translated as ‘Thrusting Fingers’, Biu Jee (also known as Biu Ji and Bil Jee) comprises extreme short-range and extreme long-range techniques, low kicks and sweeps, along with “emergency techniques” for counter-attack and recovery when structure and centreline have been seriously compromised. 

Biu Jee builds on the stepping and rotational mechanics introduced in Chum Kiu to add enormous, destructive penetrating power in its attacks.   It allows the developing student to refine all previously learned techniques by training in maximum efficiency and the ability to transfer force to the extremities (especially the fingers and elbows) of the body.

2 Weapon Forms – Luk Dim Boon Kwun and Baat Cham Do

The two weapon forms of Wing Chun are Luk Dim Boon Kwun and are Baat Cham Do:

Luk Dim Boon Kwun (Long Pole)

Translated as ‘Six and a Half Point Pole’ this form teaches the Wing Chun student how to use the ‘Long Pole’ weapon – a wooden pole usually around 8 or 9 foot in length.  Unlike the other forms, Luk Dim Boon Kwun uses the shoulder as the centreline.  It uses the long-bridge technique in both arms to concentrate power into the end point of the pole.     

The form has only six different techniques, which are repeated through application in different directions along with the half technique of dropping the pole.  This form is much easier to learn than the Baat Cham Do which has well over 100 techniques and is typically taught as the first of the two weapons forms.

Baat Cham Do (Butterfly Knives)

Translated as ‘Eight Cutting Knives’ this form teaches the Wing Chun student how to use a pair of Wing Chun Dao – a pair of large “butterfly knives” whose blades are usually between 11-15 inches.  Beginner students can use plastic or wooden replicas, or metal training knives with blunt blades to avoid serious injury until they become proficient in their use.   

The Baat Cham Do form reinforces the underlying Wing Chun principles seen in the other hand forms, for instance economy of motion, deflection, and advanced footwork.  It develops additional power and strength in the stance.   Furthermore, due to the weight of the Bart Cham Dao and the use of a deep stance, this form greatly improves wrist, arm and leg strength if trained regularly and correctly.

The Baat Cham Do form also helps cultivate a serious fighting spirit, as the techniques and the weapons themselves are intended to do serious (even fatal) damage to an opponent.

Note:

A deeper analysis of each of these forms is provided in the associated form articles on the website.  Additionally, a step-by-step sequence list of the movements used in each of the forms is provided in separate articles on the website.

Check out the "Introduction to Sil Lim Tao" article to get a deeper understanding of the Wing Chun first form here: Link

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