WIng Chun Training Tools
A key part of the wing chun training and its heritage are its tools. The weapons and its greatest training tools.
The weapons consist of the six and a half point pole and the butterfly swords. The butterfly swords are a classic example of what the wing chun training system is all about. They are short blades – not overly long and are used to bridge the gap between you and your opponent for close quarter fighting. Just like the wing chun system itself. Many of the moves in the sword form are extensions of wing chun training.The open hand forms are naturally extended to the weapons forms.It teaches increased co ordination as well as strengthening of the arms. Traditionally the story goes that the reputation of the swords was enhanced when used against a master of the dragon pole (6 half point form). The pole form also incorporates the principle of wing chun in that its strikes are linear-in a straight line– like the wing chun straight punch, it is direct and efficient and only has a few simplistic yet devastating movements.
Legend has it that two masters where fighting with two strategies in mind.The pole master will use the pole to keep the opponent at a distance and defend with parries and strikes.
The swordsman parries the pole strikes to fight in close range to strike their opponent – either their hands to disarm or torso to kill.The weapons have opposing strategies which you need to master.
Next is the greatest training tool in wing chun, The wing chun dummy. The 108 moves begin with the basic principles of wing chun and apply the more intermediate and advanced principles of the system.Even though it looks basic, the wing chun dummy is very efficient and thorough.It allows you to practice your technique as well as condition your arms. Teaching you the rhythm of the form, not to be too robotic and it is a great tool for executing applied wing chun training principles.Next to a partner the wing chun dummy is the next best thing.