The Principles of Wing Chun Kung Fu are what make it a unique and highly effective Martial Art. If the principles are embodied and used completely, and correctly in their raw form, it enables us to be free from intensity of force, speed, angle, distance, physical restriction and style of attacker.

In my opinion and understanding these principles can be broken down into three main categories, External, Internal and Philosophy.

External Principles – For the physical expression

• Practicality – Use what works, discard what doesn’t.Ones thoughts should remain as simple as possible so that we don’t over think and be drawn away from the functioning state of mind and body. For example, no attachment or preplanning.

• Economy of Movement – Utilise correct movement patterns/mechanics and physics. This way we get the most of of our physical movements utilising more joints and mass to back up our gestures without overly exerting force. Use the least amount of effort to get a desired result.

• Directness – Respond in a fast manner by using Wing Chun’s Centreline Theory. Taking the quickest path to the target using the movement (or combat) centreline means no matter where the opponents centreline is we will return through the straightest path allowing us to deal with any attacks that are present or oncoming.

• Relaxation –  Deepening relaxation to allow the ability to absorb, redirect, adapt and fuse with our opponent’s structure. Overall to be more responsive.

Internal Principles – Form the engine that creates the power source

• Tai Gong – Activate the centre. To reference/cultivate and use the bodies centre of mass as the base and anchor for movements but more importantly as an on switch for the other Internal Principles to flow from.

• Sing – Cultivate open and balanced posture from the inside. For better use of structure, mass, and to allow the bodies energy to flow better. As a reference point as a centre piece to work from.

• Fong Song – Unify your body through conscious and constant relaxation. Allowing the body to fall into unity through softness. Filling the body up with deep relaxation.

• Herng – Aim and focus of your intention and mass. Focusing and channelling the state of the body and the intention.

Mental Principles – Philosophy that becomes your art and expression for life

• Observation – Being present in the now, embodying awareness, consciousness.

• Acceptance – Working with what is, not trying to change or stop anything. Meaning we are not creating cravings and aversions as we interact, we are working with simply what is.

• Way – Knowing your objective and path.

The principals form what we call in the Chu Shong Tin Linage and at Raw Wing Chun the “state” for lack of a better word. Once this state is active, the external principles are free to flow and can become physically effortless as they are backed up by a fusion and unity of the mind and the body. This allows us to be more effective in dealing with attacks without having to adhere to set movement patterns as we have a solid structure that can absorb force, give back, and move freely under pressure.

Students should follow a path of focus, awareness, control and cultivation to achieve results.

Once again these thoughts are my opinion, from my experience and as Wing Chun is a system and art opinions may likely differ. In any case id like to hear your ideas, comments and understanding with us.