Traditional partner exercises (chi dan sao, lap sao, chi sao) begin only later. They are not fixed techniques but tools for bodily transformation : improving posture, strengthening the back, legs, and tendons, and developing specific muscular qualities, among others. These exercises evolve alongside each student’s progress.
By the end of the first year, students realize that our Kung Fu is not based on “techniques” alone, but on a system of body transformation. Wing Chun aims to develop a body capable of handling close-range combat over the long term. The initial benefits often relate to health : improved posture, enhanced balance, and greater stability of the pelvis and back. The martial aspect of the style only emerges once these foundations are firmly established—especially the ability to ground oneself firmly.
In our clan, it takes on average trois ans to begin understanding the first Wing Chun form : Siu Lim Tao.