The Philosophy of Wing Tsun

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The Philosophy of Wing Tsun
The Philosophy of Wing Tsun

'Living philosophy', is what Wing Tsun Kung-Fu, which is one of the chinese arts, used to be described as by the ancient masters.

Wing Tsun, when at its highest level, makes a person learn how to understand himself and also how to interact with all other human beings. Combining the principles of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, the practice of Wing Tsun is focused on enshrining its fundamental concepts in those who practice it. These include a true appreciation of honour, loyalty, dignity, respect for other human beings, control of ego, emotions and temper. Without these a person can never master himself, or the art of Wing Tsun, as these two are synonymous.

Because this art has these unique characteristics this art is currenly referred to as 'the noble Wing Tsun'. Student development and progression is the primary goal of Wing Tsun. Indeed, 'Si-Fu' means 'Father-Teacher', an aknowledgement of the responsiblity of the Master when he accepts someone as his 'todai' (born to the father).. Contrast to the majority of other Martial Arts, such as Karate where 'Sensei' plainly means 'Teacher'.

Physical, Spiritual and Health, Wing Tsun also has three sides to it. To find schools that teach these three together is unfortunately rare. Spiritual guidance and understanding can only come from a true Master, whereas physical technique can be emulated. As a student progresses and develops their physical technique, that student will also develop as a person, this is one of the most important lessons in Wing Tsun.

When you can understand the teachings of current and previous masters, you can and will comprehend the Martial Arts. Logically, however, this is only possible if you appreciate the historical and social background to it. This martial art is based on a solid foundation, and if the learning of the steps that stand on this foundation are altered or ignored, then the entire foundation is compromised.

Take away your history if you take away your culture and etiquette. What are you learning, if you take away the history of the martial art? Simply a series of moves without any principles behind them. This is not a true martial art.

This need to understand the Martial Art as a whole is no different than if you wished to study for instance the humanities or even law. Hilaire Barnett was clear on this point in her book Constitutional and Administrative Law stating "to study the UK's constitution , it is necessary to gain an insight into the history, politics and political philosphy which underpin the constitution, it is an essential component without which the structure, law and policies of the state cannot be understood."