How is WingTsun™ different from other martial arts?

The most important difference between WingTsun™ and others forms of martial arts derives less from stylistic externals (although there are plenty) than from the revolutionary total concept. Classic stylists trust in a series of previously regulated, progressive movements; in other words, they put their faith into well-honed combinations of kicks and punches.

In a real fighting situation (as distinct from a class situation) though, the opponent never really attacks in just the way that we’ve prepared ourselves for. In other words, the aggressor doesn’t ever really ask the "question" to which the classic stylist has rehearsed the answer. That’s why the answer (defence) often doesn’t fit the question (attack).

It is only with the use of a lot of personal body strength that one can really make these previously rehearsed answers (defense) workable. Combat situations that also depend on luck and speediness leave the physically weaker person at a disadvantage. This is why in WingTsun™ Kung Fu we determine our own movement directly and immediately through the movement of the opponent. Our technique is a reaction that is tuned exactly to the initiating action of the opponent whose power and speed actually feeds us further.

In WingTsun™ we don’t see the two fighters as "opponents", but rather see them in the Taoist sense of Yin-Yang as two forces that mutually complete each other and make up one whole. Put simply: instead of seeing the opponent as an intruder who hinders us in our display of "clean techniques" (a term so often used by traditional stylists) we regard him as our source of energy and as a supporter who unwittingly provides our safety and ultimately, his own defeat. Chi-Sau and the Lat-Sau program are two training aids that help students achieve that end.

This and more is taught by licensed WingTsun™ Kung Fu instructors at WingTsun™ Toronto.