Levels

Sil Lum Tao The first section of knowledge in which fundamental concepts are introduced; teaching three basic skills: primary hand positions, pushing energy down Center line, and meditation. Other basics learned at this level include how to properly make a Fist, Strikes, and the Front Neutral Stance. Chum Kiu The second form of the system which introduces footwork, Central Line, variations of the stance, and low-level kicks. The purpose of Chum Kiu is to teach the practitioner proper footwork and body angles in order that he/she may effectively and safely “close the distance” between himself/herself and the opponent.

Students learning first form, Sil Lum Tao

Bil Jee
The third and final empty hand form of the system. This form focuses on special strikes which emphasize the use of fingers to stimulate and acupoint in a negative manner. Because it is necessary to understand Traditional Chinese Medicine at this point, Meridian Theory is introduced. Bil Jee teaches finger strikes, elbow strikes, techniques to recapture Center Line and the circulation of Chi through the body along meridians were pressure points are located in certain areas which can be over-stimulated by attacks such as finger strikes. By this time, the student should have acquired the accuracy to attack such small points.




Muk Yan Jong
Muk Yan Jong is the Wooden Man Dummy, a training device notorious to the art of Wing Chun. It suffices as a practice partner when a real person is not available. Its body is usually mounted on a frame in a static position. Each part (leg, arms, and trunk) moves slightly in all directions. Its form is a combination of techniques used in Sil Lum Tao, Chum Kiu, and Bil Jee. Speed is developed because you can drill a series of movements over and over, creating the muscle memory needed to perform techniques quickly and automatically. Footwork and mobility are enhanced, as the practitioner is forced to move from one side of the dummy to the other, moving in and out as well as laterally.




Chi Sao
Chi Sao is used to develop contact reflexes - the ability to interpret movement through the sense of touch. It is a sensitivity training exercise and should never be viewed as a form of sparring. The goal is to become part of the process rather than separating yourself from it. The more you are a part of it, the better able you are to understand the direction and focus of the opponent's energy without being confrontational. The concept of balance and neutrality come into view as you learn to sense the action or energy of your opponent through a contact point. Chi Sao is a living laboratory. It is an environment in which the techniques from the forms may be freely applied.



Kuen Fa
Meaning Fighting Method, Kuen Fa is the instructor level of this system. A graduate of this level is an unarmed master and becomes certified as a Sifu. The goal of this level is to bring all of the tools learned in previous levels together to be applied in realistic situations. Stress levels are increased as multiple attackers are introduced. Defending against weapons and Chin Na, the art of seizing and grappling, are also learned. Certain requirements such as Sparring Rounds and Teaching Sessions must have been satisfied to graduate from this level.




Luk Dim Buk Kwun
Louk Kim Book Kwun literally translates as Six and Half Point Pole. It is the long range weapon of the system. It is an 8 or 9 foot long, tapered pole. Its techniques are few and the form is short in length. Chi Kwun or Energy Pole exercises are performed blindfolded to be able to feel the opponent’s weapon attack. Whipping Power is learned to maximize the potential energy created by the flexibility of the weapon.




Bart Jarm Dao
Bart Jam Dao literally translates as Eight Slash Swords. It is the short range weapon of the system. They are two short swords about the length of one's forearm. One sword is held in each hand and the movements often mimic the movements of the hands from previous levels. They were originally designed to be able to be concealed in the boots or under the robes of the of the monks who carried them. In harmony with Taoist philosophy and belief, the monks designed this type of weapon for parrying, disarming, and crippling the assailant and not for killing. Consequently, the blade was structured with dull edges on top and bottom to be used for interception of an opponent’s weapons. The reason they are called the Eight Slash Swords is that a certain movement is made to make a figure 8 with the swords making a slashing cut throughout this movement.

The weapons of this system are saved to be taught at the end for it is more important to first learn to defend oneself without the use of weapons as they are usually not readily available in a real situation.