FORMS IN WING CHUN
In Wing Chun, there are so-called forms, which are divided into two main categories: weaponless forms and weapon forms.
The weaponless forms are further divided into forms practiced without tools and forms practiced with training equipment. Training tools in this context refer specifically to the wooden dummy and the tripod dummy.
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Forms practiced without tools include:
Siu Nim Tao, Cham Kiu, and Biu Tze.
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Forms practiced with tools include:
Mok Yan Chong Fat (Wooden Dummy Form) and Saam Sin Chong Fat (Tripod Dummy Form).
This makes a total of five weaponless forms in Wing Chun. More information is available in the respective articles.
Wing Chun features two weapon forms:
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Look Dim Poon Kwan (Six-and-a-Half-Point Pole), which focuses on the long pole.
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Bart Cham Dao (Butterfly Knives), which is dedicated to the double knives.
You’ll find further details about the forms in the articles on this page.
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FORMS IN WING CHUN - WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Forms training primarily involves ingraining Wing Chun’s characteristic hand, arm, and foot movements into the body’s muscle memory.
Wing Chun includes seven forms:
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Siu Nim Tao
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Cham Kiu
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Biu Tze
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Mok Yan Chong Fat (Wooden Dummy)
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Saam Sin Chong Fat (Tripod Dummy)
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Look Dim Poon Kwan (Long Pole)
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Bart Cham Dao (Butterfly Knives)
This article explains the value of forms training.
02
SIU NIM TAO - THE FIRST WEAPONLESS FORM
Siu Nim Tao is known as both the first and the final form of the Wing Chun system—at least, that’s a common saying in Wing Chun. It teaches the fundamental movements that a beginner must learn (and much more). The form includes eight sections, as well as an opening and closing movement. This article delves into the details.
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BIU TZE - THE THIRD WEAPONLESS FORM
Biu Tze is typically taught as the third of the five weaponless forms in Wing Chun. Often referred to as the "Emergency Form," it includes elbow techniques, knife-hand strikes, finger thrusts, and other pinpoint attack movements. Registered users can explore more details here.
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MOK YAN CHONG FAT - WOODEN DUMMY FORM
The Wooden Dummy Form is the fifth weaponless form and uses the wooden dummy as a training tool. Key elements include flanking strategies, control and attacks on three levels, functional strength development, and the interplay of advanced hand and foot movements. More details are available for registered users.
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SAAM SIN CHONG FAT - TRIPOD DUMMY FORM
The Tripod Dummy Form, or simply Tripod Form, focuses on footwork training within the Wing Chun system. It trains specific stepping and kicking techniques relevant in close combat, flanking strategies, and takedown techniques. This form is closely connected to Chi Gerk and is the last of the five weaponless forms. Log in to read more.
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LOOK DIM POON KWAN - LONG POLE FORM
The Long Pole is the first weapon introduced in the Wing Chun system. The tapered pole is used to practice the "six-and-a-half-point" Long Pole Form, known as Look Dim Poon Kwan. This form teaches special footwork, strength development, handling dynamic weights, combat strategies, and more. Registered users can read more here.
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BART CHAM DAO - BUTTERFLY KNIVES
The Butterfly Knives were once considered one of Wing Chun’s best-kept secrets. The central lesson of the Bart Cham Dao form is that Wing Chun is not merely an unarmed self-defense system but fundamentally a weapon-based system. Techniques are executed as though knives are always in hand, incorporating slashing, hacking, and thrusting motions. This concept significantly influences unarmed movements, dynamics, and execution of arm techniques and footwork. Registered users can explore further details here.
