GENERAL WING CHUN TOPICS
On this page, you’ll find numerous articles covering the world of Wing Chun. Some are freely accessible, while others require registration and login to read.
I dive into a variety of topics in detail, such as:
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What is Wing Chun?
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What is Kung Fu?
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What is the difference between martial arts and combat sports?
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What is the hierarchy in Wing Chun?
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What is a Wing Chun lineage?
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Who was Yip Man (Ip Man)?
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What does self-defense mean?
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What is a Sifu, and how does one become a Sifu?
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What is commercialized Wing Chun?
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What’s the difference between Wing Chun and Wing Tsun?
These and many other fascinating topics await you on this page—questions that many Wing Chun students ask themselves but that (in my opinion) are rarely explained or discussed clearly. I’ve summarized and explored these for you here.
Enjoy browsing and reading!
Cord Elsner
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MARTIAL ARTS OR COMBAT SPORTS?
Martial art and combat sport are terms often used interchangeably, but there are significant differences—especially concerning competitions and tournaments. In this article, I explain these distinctions and their importance. Please log in to read the article for free.
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WHAT WING CHUN STYLES EXIST?
Wing Chun is full of stylistic variations and naming conventions. Yip Man Wing Chun, Leung Ting Wing Tsun, Wong Shun Leung Ving Chun, WT, WC, VT, VC—it can be overwhelming, even for seasoned practitioners. I clarify these differences and help you navigate through them. Please log in to read the article for free.
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HIERARCHY IN WING CHUN
Wing Chun hierarchy is rooted in Confucian principles. Titles such as Sifu (fatherly teacher), Sihing, Sigung, and Todai are familial terms that establish hierarchical relationships similar to a family structure. Learn more about the background and gain deeper insights. Please log in to read the article for free.
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THE PHILOSOPHICAL PILLARS OF THE WING CHUN SYSTEM
"Wing Chun is great for punching someone in the face."
While there’s some truth to that, this statement oversimplifies the art. Wing Chun is far more than just fighting and is based on three philosophical pillars: Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Learn more here. Please log in to read the article for free.
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DAOISM (TAOISM) IN WING CHUN
Daoism is both a religion and a philosophy. Concepts like Yin and Yang, the I Ching, Chi (Qi, Ki), as well as practices such as mental and physical cultivation, breath control, and Qigong, are integral to its teachings. Learn more about Daoism as one of the three pillars of Wing Chun and its profound relevance to this fascinating martial art. Please log in to read the article for free.
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CONFUCIANISM IN WING CHUN
Confucianism refers to a philosophy and political ideology rooted in the teachings of Confucius and his disciples. It has shaped Chinese culture and society for centuries and plays a role in Wing Chun hierarchy (e.g., Sifu). Discover more about this influential philosophy as one of the three great teachings of Asia. Please log in to read the article for free.
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BUDDHISM IN WING CHUN
Buddhism, alongside Daoism and Confucianism, is one of the "Three Great Teachings" of China. Anyone exploring Shaolin Kung Fu, the Shaolin Monastery, or Wing Chun's evolution should understand Buddhism's role and relevance. Dive into this essential aspect of a holistic martial arts perspective. Please log in to read the article for free.
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SIFU - THE FATHERLY TEACHER
Sifu, meaning "fatherly teacher," is a term used to describe the instructor or teacher in Wing Chun. Comparable to the Japanese title "Sensei," Sifu carries a deeper cultural significance. What does it truly mean, especially in the non-Asian world? How does one become a Sifu, and are there criteria or costs involved? Find out more here. Please log in to read the article for free.
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SCHOOLS EVERYWHERE - WHICH ONE IS THE RIGHT FOR YOU?
With Wing Tsun, Wing Tzun, Ving Chun, and many other variations, schools offering this martial art are everywhere. But what should you look out for when choosing a school? Are there pitfalls? What about membership fees and the trainer’s qualifications? Here, I guide you through the essentials. Please log in to read the article for free.
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QUALITIES OF A GOOD WING CHUN TEACHER
Approach your teacher with politeness and respect. Bow to your teacher after receiving guidance. Don’t cross your arms in front of your chest when speaking to them. Blah, blah, blah, if you ask me.
Respect must be earned, not demanded—especially for a teacher or trainer. But what actually makes a good Wing Chun teacher? What should you look for when choosing one? Here, I offer advice and insights. Please log in to read the article for free.
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THE THREE LEVELS OF WING CHUN
Wing Chun Kung Fu, like many other Asian martial arts such as Judo, Karate, and others, teaches practitioners how to defend themselves and become capable of self-defense. This journey involves both physical and mental development and maturity. However, when practiced correctly, Wing Chun offers much more. This is reflected in the three levels of the Wing Chun system. Please log in to read the full article for free.
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EMERGENCY DEFENSE AND LAW OF EMERGENCY DEFENSE
What exactly is self-defense, and when are you allowed to use your Wing Chun skills without getting into conflict with the law? It’s not always straightforward. Find more information here. If in doubt, consult an expert, such as a lawyer, to receive detailed clarification. Please log in to read the full article for free.
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YIP MAN | IP MAN AND THE SUCCESSION DISPUTES - AUTHENTIC WING CHUN
Yip Man (Ip Man) passed away in 1972, leaving behind a legacy—and a succession dispute among his students. This division has since led to the fragmentation of the Wing Chun community. Learn more about what happened and its implications. Please log in to read the article for free.
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THE MANY SPELLINGS OF WING CHUN
Wing Chun, Wing Tsun, Ving Tsun, Wing Tshun—why are there so many different spellings for this martial art? This chaos has much to do with money, egos, and trainers distinguishing themselves from one another. Here, I explain the history and implications of these variations. Please log in to read the article for free.
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COMMERCIALIZED WING CHUN AND TRADEMARKS
Teaching martial arts - be it Judo, Karate, or Wing Chun - is a service provided by the teacher to the student, and services cost money. However, in some cases, Wing Chun has been taken to extremes in terms of commercialization. Here, I explain how this happens and what to watch out for. Please log in to read the article for free.
