Theories and Concepts

Axis Line - imaginary line running through the center of the body; straight down from the crown (point in the center/top of the head) through the perineum (point between the anus and genitalia) Many of the body’s vital areas are located along the Axis Line. Strikes are aimed to penetrate through the Axis Line of an opponent in order to have a most destructive effect.

Center Line - imaginary line/plane running through the practitioners Axis Line to an opponent's Axis Line, if there is no opponent, in forms, it is the line straight out from the body if the shoulders are square; Center Line may move or change in reference to the opponent's movement; used for deflection and redirection of the linear energy with a hand positions.

Central Line - imaginary line/plain running from Axis Line between Center Line and 45 degrees from the Center Line in front of the body; used for circular energy, and positions are moved down the Central Line in order to meet or stop circular energy such as Hook Punch/Kick. It can be stopped only if it is caught with proper technique at the beginning stages before it has had a chance to build up speed and power.

Reciprocal Central Line - imaginary line/plane running from Axis Line between Center line and 45 degrees of the blind side; used typically for multiple attackers because as the Wing Chun fighter focuses on keeping his/her Center Line on the opponent, he/she may be attacked from behind or from the blind side.

The Six Gates - the areas of and in front of the body are divided into six areas; the Center line divides area into a left and right side, then to more and imaginary lines are represented to create upper, middle, and lower gates; these gates are protected and guarded with techniques such as different Hand Positions; the lower gates may be occupied by bringing the knee up into a Chamber for deflection.

Avoidance of Energy – implies that the Wing Chun practitioner should avoid the energy or attack of an opponent rather than confronting it in a destructive manner. By not confronting the attacker’s energy, the Wing Chun practitioner avoids the use or over-use of his/her own energy which is equally as important. It is incorrect to forcefully apply a technique. By avoiding the use of energy/force, the Wing Chun practitioner is better able to sense or feel the direction and intent of the opponent's energy, therefore enabling him/her to appropriately react in a fluid manner. The underlying philosophy of Taoism teaches that we should conserve our energy. If there is more than one attacker, and you defeat one, you must then have the energy to defeat the rest.

Concept of Neutrality - means that both sides of the body should be utilized equally. Wing Chun is an ambidextrous style. There is no dominant side. Weight should also be distributed evenly in the stance; equally between left and right foot. No leaning! Both sides of the body should be utilized equally and simultaneously. While one hand is deflecting, the other should or can be used to attack. This concept may also be applied to the use or difference of use between the arms and legs. There should be no difference. It is common to focus too much on one and forget about the other. Legs and arms may be used simultaneously for attack and deflection. This concept may also be applied to neutralizing or dissolving the opponents attack.

Occupation of Territory - suggests that for an attacker’s energy to physically harm a Wing Chun practitioner, it must first enter one or more of the six gates. By occupying the territory/area/gate in which the attack is entering, the Wing Chun practitioner has therefore reduced the possibilities of being struck by deflecting or redirecting the opponents attack. It is at this stage when contact has been established and the infamous Contact Reflexes may be employed.

Economy of Motion - Wing Chun uses straight lines for movement. Since the quickest distance/path between two points is a straight line, no circular pass will be used. Footwork is done on straight lines as well as hand positions. Many arts have exotic and flashy movements which may be impressive to watch in forms and katas but in actual application, they remain useless and a waste of time and energy. Wing Chun is known for its speed which comes from its directness. Its directness makes it practical and effective.

Ranges
Extended - weapons at this distance will bring the only harm, weapons are very dangerous at this range because there is enough room for full range of motion

Long - kicks become a danger at this range, practitioners of arts that concentrate on kicking will try to keep an opponent in this range, weapons may still offer some threat

Short - punches enter as a danger as well as weapons and kicks, Pre-Contact reflexes are used at this range and the above ranges

Close - Contact Reflexes may be employed at this range. Long Range Weapons become difficult to use as well as high kicks. Elbows and knees become a danger here.

Adjacent - weapons and kicks are almost impossible to use it this range, strikes are even difficult to execute, however, grappling techniques such as joint manipulations, take-downs, and throws become a danger at this range

Five Stages of Combat
1. No Contact - no person has made an advance, or if there is an advance, no contact has been made
2. Contact - an attack connects with its target or is met with a counter technique
3. Exchange - when the attack is met with a technique, there may be an ‘exchange’ of techniques
4. Retreat - confrontation causes one fighter to retreat
5. Pursuit - pursue the opponent’s retreat

· Going from No Contact to Contact, or Closing the Distance, requires Pre-Contact skills where the only sense we have his vision. Because the “hand is quicker than the eye,” it becomes difficult to see every attack so Wing Chun makes use of yet another sense, touch. Once Contact has been established with a techniques such as a Hand Position, the Wing Chun practitioner may use that contact point as reference enabling him/her to feel what is taking place by using Chi Sao skills; Wing Chun allows the opponent to Retreat which inevitably leaves a leg behind - a perfect opportunity for Chi Gerk; the Wing Chun practitioner should then maintain the point of contact and Pursue the Retreat to prevent the opponent from regaining their defense.

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