Some systems have many forms, while others have virtually none. Ving Tsun Kung Fu is more concerned with depth than breadth or shall we say quality vs quantity. Ving Tsun has 3 empty hand forms, a wooden dummy training apparatus, and 2 weapon methods. With each succeeding form/method, it leads a practitioner of this system to freedom. Being a principle/theory based system, it allows the Ving Tsun system to be integrated into any other style harmoniously. There is a curriculum to prevent the students from playing the guessing game. It gives the students an outline to know what to expect and what needs to be fulfilled in order to move on to the next stage. Also, it allows the instructor to keep track of tailored drills for problematic areas that a particular student is having. Below is not the actual syllabus but a basic outline of the levels in Ving Tsun.
Ving Chun Forms
An important facet about the Ving Tsun Forms is that none of them illustrate fighting scenarios. To look at the forms in such a way will merely cause confusion. Instead, the forms are representative of the core concepts, principles, and ideas that are the basic framework for the Ving Tsun System.
FIRST EMPTY-HAND FORM:
SIL NIM TAO: (LITTLE IDEA FORM) This form functions as the basic alphabet of the system. It provides the practitioner with a series of tools/techniques that will be needed throughout the system. In addition to that, with constant training, the form neurologically ingrains the basic principles of the system into the practitioner as well as assists with helping the practitioner with developing the proper Ving Tsun engine.
SECOND EMPTY-HAND FORM:
CHUM KIL: (SINKING/SEEKING BRIDGE) This form takes the alphabet of the lst form and enables the practitioner to start making words. The training methodology of chi-sau allows the practitioner to go even further and create sentences, however, chi-sau is not a form. Successful chi-sau will result from the mastery and understanding of the nature of these forms. Chum kil adds to the concepts of Sil Nim Tao by incorporating and helping to train mobility with conjunction of the lst form structures.
THIRD EMPTY-HAND FORM:
BIL JE: (THRUSTING FINGERS) Theoretically if an individual perfects their understanding and application of the lst two forms, this form is not needed. However, because fighting is not an exact science and as human beings we are fallible this form comes into play. The main goal of this form is to teach you how to recover from mistakes that result from improper application of the first two forms. Bil Je also helps a practitioner to think outside the box and adds new tools to help a practitioner develop and train other attributes such as speed, as well as generating force/power, from a variety of different angles,
TRAINING APPARATUS:
MOOK YAN JONG: (WOODEN DUMMY) This training apparatus serves the purpose of allowing an individual to train the concepts of the first three forms. It helps a practitioner develop and train such things as proper angles, positioning, timing, structure, and movement. Additionally, it allows an individual to maximize their power output, and base on a person’s structure the “JONG” offer feedback in unique ways. It has many other benefits as well.
FIRST WEAPON FORM:
LUK DIM BOON KWAN: (6.5 POINT POLE) This weapon form help finalized the structure of the empty-hands. It adds power and new ideas and concepts to the empty hands fighting as wells as teaching valuable weapons skill.
SECOND WEAPON FORM:
BAT JAAM DO: (8 DIRECTIONAL KNIFE METHOD) The concepts learned within the knives serve the purpose of unifying the system as a whole and providing the practitioner with a greater range of freedom. Its does so by adding new footwork, refining and strengthening the hand techniques, and principles learned earlier. After refining this level. the practitioner is free to develop his or her own personal kung-fu and martial arts.