Frequently Asked Questions


Are there different styles of Wing Chun?

Many systems of Wing Chun parallel our lineage (for example Pao Fa Lien Wing Chun) including the core of Bruce Lee's art (Jeet Kune Do) being based on Traditional Wing Chun. Also, after Wing Chun's Grand Master Yip Man passed away, his students began teaching this increasingly popular Gung Fu system World Wide. Differences between descending lineages arose primarily because Yip Man's teaching evolved over time. Additionally, as the students skill advanced Yip Man individualized more of the students training philosophy. Which is reflected in their later teaching methods and subsequent versions of the Wing Chun forms.

What are some of the differences between Wing Chun and other systems of Gung Fu?

Wing Chun techniques are designed to be compatible with the human anatomy and how the human bones and tendons move.

For example: Wing Chun uses a higher more mobile stance than most other combative arts. Many martial arts systems begin by teaching students larger blocking and striking movements, i.e. force vs. force blocking methods, etc. Wing Chun begins training with close range economical striking and deflecting movements.

What can I expect to see during a Sil Lum Wing Chun Kuen class?

You will see students practicing blind folded Chi Sau (Sticky Hands), two and three man sparring, Wooden Man techniques and weapons training. You may also see traditional Sil Lum forms training, punching sets and kicking drills being utilized to develop power and endurance as well as an applicable development of body torque and mobility useful in self defense situations.

What are some differences between Sil Lum Wing Chun and other systems of Wing Chun?

It seems that some modern Wing Chun training methods have a tendency towards being over economized while others profess complex theories and principles. Yes, simplicity is best however in Sil Lum Wing Chun Kuen we try to avoid absolutes, therefore by balancing the ratio of hand techniques with stance combinations as well as emphasizing kicking techniques and joint locking (Chin Na) for street applicable self defense, we find the students ability and awareness is remarkably enhanced. Thus, while still holding to traditional teaching methods the system remains unaltered yet the students mind set is expanded upon.

What kind of results can I see from Wing Chun training?

You will begin to see a growing coordination between hands, arms, body, legs and feet. The student learns and demonstrates greater balance in body, mind and spirit. Some other things you might experience are:

Sil Lum Wing Chun Kuen is an excellent internal and external training system for anyone interested in achieving superb fitness, coordination and integration of body, mind and spirit. Through unique hand and leg training routines (Chi Sau, Chi Gurk) that teach timing, sensitivity and strengthen the whole body, the practitioner develops a larger field of awareness, and learns to relax physically and mentally while in the midst of physical motion. The ability to relax while in motion empowers the practitioner with a more balanced physical, emotional and mental outlook on life in general.

What types of meditation techniques are taught in Sil Lum Wing Chun Kuen?

Sil Lum Wing Chun Kuen goes beyond being a street applicable self defense system, in that, the system also provides the practitioner with Chi Gung (energy and breathing meditation) benefits. In China, Chi Gung is being sucessfully used to reduce and cure the effects of many chronic illnesses.

What is Chi Gung?

Chi Gung is an ancient system of martial and healing arts developed and used in China for thousands of years. Chi GungShaolin Buddhist Statue enhances the immune function and improves blood circulation through movement, breathing and visualization techniques. Chi Gung assists individuals to keep fit and cultivate internal strength, empty the mind, and restores the body to a more natural state of health. Traditional Chinese medicine views the person as a unity in which illness is caused by an imbalance in the bodys' vital energy (Chi). Chi Gung is the cultivation of a healthier, stronger and more balanced energy flow.

How does Chi Gung work?

Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the human body contains Chi (energy) meridians that largely corespond to the bodys' blood circulation and internal organs. Certain illnesses are the result of blocked or misguided energy within these meridians. For example, acupressure utilizes pressure points to remove blockages and balance the flow of Chi energy. Chi Gung breaks down energy blocks and facilitates the free flow and balancing of energy through out the bodys' net work of meridians and energy centers (chakras).

Chi Gung practice is beneficial in many ways:

How can learning Sil Lum Wing Chun Kuen benefit my family or myself?

Sil Lum Wing Chun Kuen teaches self control and discipline. You will gain flexibility, balance, coordination, strength and stamina. Teenagers learn courtesy, perseverance and respect for others. Students will gain all of these things as well as learning to defend themselves and their families.