Wing Tzun Empty Hand Forms

Although initially developed as an unarmed form of combat, the Wing Tzun system also incorporated the use of the pole and
butterfly swords during its evolution. As the style is taught conceptually, rather than with emphasis on techniques, there have been several interpretations of the art over time.
This is reflected in the separate schools established by in later years.

A form is a set of movements that serve as a reference for the correct execution of Wing Tzun movements and positions. Each movement and each section in the Forms has a different application. They also help develop key attributes such as balance, relaxation, coordination, proper breathing, flexibility and strength. The proper performance of the forms warms up and
energizes the body. They should be performed in a smooth and relaxed manner with the correct understanding. There are six forms taught in EBMAS Wing Tzun, each of which imparts and builds on foundational concepts:

Siu-Nim-Tao (Little Idea)
The Siu-Nim-Tao is the most important form in Wing Tzun; therefore, it is taught in the very beginning. Siu-Nim-Tao means "little idea" and is the key to the system. If one does not understand the "little idea", one will never understand the system. The Siu-Nim-Tao is taught in the first two student levels. It consists of a set of arm movements performed while maintaining the Wing Tzun stance. The student learns to relax the upper body and breathe properly while performing all of the basic arm movements and concepts of the Wing
Tzun system. The Siu-Nim-Tao contains fundamental concepts for stance, balance, core stability & body alignment, plus simple & double movements for the arms which are mainly defensive in nature. The SNT form is split into eight sentences which are introduced across the 1st & 2nd student grades.

Chum-Kiu
(Bridge-Seeking)
The second form is the Chum Kiu. It introduces footwork and kicks in close coordination with various arm movements. The goal is coordination of arm techniques and footwork, balance
and the use of the entire body to generate power and explosiveness. Chum Kiu is divided into three parts, each containing sophisticated methods of moving the torso via steps, shifts & turns. Complex movements are introduced for the arms, plus concepts for leg defense & counterattack. The Chum Kiu form is introduced across the 4th & 5th student grades, and the fighting applications are explored right into the Technician grades. In conjunction with the SNT, this form develops the Wing Tzun strategy.

Biu-Tze
(Thrusting Fingers)
This form, learned in the 2nd Technician Grade, introduces the more deadly attacking methods of the Wing Tzun system. The student also learns various "last-ditch" movements that may be applied to deal with extreme emergencies. The third unarmed form is concerned with mainly offensive movements of the arms using the characteristic elastic force of Wing Tzun. If the student has understood SNT & CK correctly this unique flexible force will have already
begun to develop around the 10th student grade. New concepts are introduced for weight distribution & body movement, and strategy shifts abruptly towards continuous, non-stop attack. It is here that the deceptive power of an internal art really comes to the fore, with techniques for cutting, slicing, stabbing & whipping. Close-range in-fighting is also developed using a myriad of elbows, plus concepts for destroying & regaining balance. The Biu-Tze form is taught at the 2nd Technician programs.

Mook-Yan Chong
(Wooden Dummy Techniques)

The final unarmed form uses the unique training aid characteristic of all Wing Tzun lineages - the Wooden Dummy., learned in the 4th Technician Grade, is practiced with a training dummy composed of a trunk, three arm references, and a leg. Training on the dummy
refines the student's positions and angles and helps develop explosive power. The various arm, leg, and body combination techniques contained in this form are also some of the most efficient and economical in the entire Wing Tzun system. This form develops footwork to the highest degree and also completes the system's offensive techniques for the legs. Movements in the hips & spine are employed to redirect & rebound from a clashing of forces with a more powerful, skilled opponent. Simultaneous & complementary techniques occur with three limbs at once, which is a skill associated with the Master Level of Chinese Kung-Fu. The Wooden Dummy form is taught from the 3rd Technician program onwards.

The Wing Tzun Weapons

Look-Dim-Boon-Kwun

(Six-and-a-half-point Long Pole Techniques)
This form, learned in the 6th Practitioner Grade, is practiced with a heavy wooden pole 8-9 feet in length and teaches the student how to wield a long and/or heavy weapon. Training with the long pole greatly improves the student's dynamic strength and body coordination. Also contained within the form are footwork and upper body movements that may be applied to unarmed
situations as well.

Bart-Cham-Dao

(Eight-Cutting Broadswords Techniques)
This form, learned in the 8th Practician Grade, is practiced with a pair of blades approximately one foot long and teaches the student how to wield short and/or sharp and/or doubled weapons. Training with the broadswords greatly improves the power and precision of the student's unarmed movements, in addition to improving the balance, speed, and range of the student's footwork