Wing Chun and Its Origins

Translated - 'Wing Chun Kuen' reads 'praise-forever springtime boxing'.

There are variations in the oral history of the art, and indeed several lineages exist, but all trace their origins back to the southern Shaolin temple during the ruthless Ching Dynasty. During this period of oppression, oral tradition suggests that 4 or 5 particularly notable Shaolin elders, each highly skilled in their own styles of combat, worked together to develop a new, efficient, streamlined, system of kungfu.

One of these elders, an abbess named 'Ng Mui', (who some suggest was already a 'Bil Gee' master and 'Dim Mak' expert) helped develop the practical aspects of Wing Chun Kung Fu. (She is also considered, by some, to be the founder of 'Dragon shape boxing' and 'Wu Mei boxing').

Another elder, the abbott 'Chi Sim' was an 'Iron Head Qi Gong' master, 'wooden dummy' expert, weapons expert, and believed by some to be the the founder of 'Hung Gar' kungfu. (He is also believed to be the instigator & co-ordinator of the original 'Wing Chun' kungfu project.)

Before this new system could be completed and disseminated down to the other warrior monks, the Manchu army successfully invaded the Shaolin temple located at Fujian province. The temple was razed to the ground. Of the 100's of monks residing at the temple, it is said that only about 30 or 40 escaped. The rest were killed, jailed and tortured. The elders working on the 'Wing Chun' project also escaped.

'Chi Sim' having escaped this destruction, roamed the countryside spreading the word of 'Wing Chun' - "down with the Ching and restore the Ming". He finally joined the 'Red Junk Opera troupe' as a cook.

'Ng Mui' also escaped and went to Tai Lang mountain, and here developed her version of 'Wing Chun' further. It is believed that 'Ng Mui' condensed the mother system that she had helped develop, focusing on only those methods that could be effectively utilised by a smaller/weaker person, such as herself.

It is believed, by some, that 'Ng Mui' passed her version of “Wing Chun kuen” onto a student named 'Yim Wing Chun' (and possibly to others also). Later 'Yim Wing Chun' is said to have come into contact with the abbot 'Chi Sim' and the famous 'Red Junk Opera troupe' – the skills of the 'long pole' are thought to have been acquired by 'Yim Wing Chun' during this interaction.

Although the various Wing Chun traditions vary somewhat in their oral histories, it is clear by the structure of their forms that they share in a common origin. Some schools, including the 'Chi Sim' founded system, consider that Wing Chun represents the 'internal' way of Shaolin. Many schools do not recognise this fact; However, to get a full appreciation of the art, the practitioner should be aware that 'Wing Chun' was based on 'internal' Shaolin.