Wing Chun can be thought of like a language. First you learn the words or basic building blocks. Next you learn to string these words together into sentences. Then you learn the grammar or principles for how to apply these sentences in a freestyle manner. Although there are many techniques, it is a good idea to try to master the techniques shown on these pages first. We have shown various techniques which can be performed from the two starting positions. Many techniques also arise from the in between positions. Against a beginner, any of these techniques work quite successfully. Against an advanced practitioner these techniques will work only if he has made a mistake in his defense. With two advanced practitioners, one does not win the fight, the other side merely loses it through a mistake.
From the left Tan sau and right high Fook sau position, you can apply the center palm hit when the center is open, the Chum sau to stiffen up the opponent, the elbow to attack a weak defense, and the trapping hand to tie up the opponent.
 1. Starting position |
 2. Center palm hit |
 3. Chum sau |
 4. Elbow attack |
 5. Trapping hand |
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From the left Bong sau and right low Fook sau position, you can apply the Pak sau against a strong centered force, the Lap sau against an off cen- ter Fook sau, the Tan and punch against an open center, and the Gum sau against a heavy downward force from the opponent's high Fook sau.
 1. Starting position |
 2. Pak sau |
 3. Lap sau |
 4. Tan and punch |
 5. Gum sau |
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The sentences are prearranged drills which teach you how to start stringing the various words or techniques from the different sets together. The exercise below is called a sentence based on the Pak sau. This means that the initial movement starts with a Pak sau or slapping hand. In the photos the attacker has a left Tan sau and a right high Fook sau. The defender has a right low Fook sau and a left high Bong sau.
The attacker starts off with a center palm hit which is countered with a Chum sau and punch.
 1. Starting position |
 2. Center palm hit |
The formal sentence starts at the next movement. In movement four, the attacker applies a right Pak sau to the opponent's right arm.
Next, shift left and use a Tan sau jerk to force the opponent's hand down while applying a right neck cutting hand. Use the pivot force of the whole body.
Then, slap the opponent's right arm down using the second set elbow slapping movement, while hitting with a left throat cutting hand.
Now sweep his hands to your left by using the Gan sau from the third set while the top Gan hand chops to the neck.
Next apply a right Pak sau to the opponent's elbow while giving him a straight solar plexus punch. The defender does nothing except to keep to the center and apply some pressure.
