In the Wing Chun system there are three empty hand forms (Sil Lim Tao, Chum Kiu, Biu Jee), a Wooden dummy form (Mook Yan Jong) and two weapons forms (Luk Dim Boon Kwan & Baat Cham Doa).

Wing Chun forms help you develop self-awareness, balance, relaxation and sensitivity. They train you in the fundamental movement and the correct force generation of the system.

All techniques are derived from the forms – they are the foundation for the Wing Chun fighting system.

Sometimes it can be easy to lose sight of how important these forms are to your training. So with that in mind here are a few training tips to help you get the most when working your forms:

1) Become One

Connect your mind with every motion of your body. Think and feel every motion, your body should have a unity that can generate ‘effortless power’, but look graceful.

2) 10 to 1 Rule

For every time you do your form at ‘Normal’ or ‘Fast’ speed, do it 10 times slowly. Now I know some of you are thinking, ‘But traditionally my form isn’t done that way!’

That may be true, but if you really want to get the mechanics down, and KNOW where your body is during every motion, do it slow. By slowing down the form, it is like doing it 10,000 times.

3) Feel the Power

Focus on where your body should be generating power from during any given movement. There are several ways to do this, but one of the ways it to put a ‘Mind of Pressure’ in each move.

You do this by pretending that there is some pressure that is giving you some resistance trying to prevent you from doing the action. You’ll notice that you progress leaps and bounds if you do this.

4) Body Bump

Get a partner to push or ‘bump’ you after every move. This will help you know if you are balanced and rooted properly.

Now don’t have your partner give you so much force that you can’t stay rooted. Just have him give you a slight bump to test your stance.

Practice these 4 things when doing your forms and you will speed up both your learning and your practical skills!