The horizontal stroke of a brush represents the Chinese character for the number one. It represents the beginning. In traditional schools of calligraphy, the student may practice just this one stroke for several months before advancing to the vertical stroke. Poor technique in performing the most basic of strokes results in poor technique for the more advanced strokes.
In the art of Wing Chun, the first part of the first set forms the foundation of the whole art. This section was sometimes practiced for many months before advancing to something new. The benefits in the end were a good solid stance, a strong center, supple actions, the ability to relax and tense quickly, and the patience to learn the rest of the art well.
