The Human Potential In Siu Nim Tao, the Little Beginning Idea

Moy Tung Ving Tsun (wing chun) Kung Fu can be practiced productively on your own. If, for an hour at a time, two days per week for a year, all someone did was the first section of the first form aka Siu Nim Tao (Little Beginning Idea), as well as the chain-punching conditioning drill, they would develop a ton of Kung Fu.

Moy Tung playing Ving Tsun (wing chun) Kung Fu Siu Nim Tao form

You would have a strong horse, centerline awareness, and relaxed power. Strong legs that can keep you on your feet in a fight or if you slip; ingrained knowledge of your own basic human body mechanics, with hands that naturally protect your centerline for simultaneous blocking and striking; and relaxed reflexes for channeling power, from the ground, through your whole body.

If this is enough for you, some people may be able to figure out how to get some good results from studying the right videos, but not most. If it’s your only option, doing live video classes with a qualified instructor is better. If there’s a Moy Tung lineage school in your area, you can book an in-person introductory lesson (currently subject to Coronavirus restrictions) at the Moy Tung Athletic Association (MTAA) website: https://kungfuhq.com/official-schools/

See this “What you learn” article for more info on what is taught in just the Introductory Course at the Richmond Moy Yat Kung Fu Academy, founded by Grandmaster Moy Tung in 1986: https://www.kungfurichmond.com/blog/2016423what-you-learn-in-the-moy-tung-kung-fu-intro-program-techniques-and-principles-for-efficient-and-effective-training-and-fighting

This is a lot, but some people want more, so we offer the complete Ving Tsun system - all 6 forms plus the full Chi Sao system through Mai Sang Jong, as well as myriad conditioning/technique drills, and practical applications.

In practical terms, it’s not possible for human beings to figure this out on their own from videos, let alone teach others how to work productively on the exercises. Human beings need regular training, over a period of 2-4 or more years, under a qualified Sifu, working with training partners at your own and other levels, in order to develop good Kung Fu and become expert in the system.

Someone can become an instructor and even a Sifu without first mastering the system, which can take 5-10 years or more. However, mastering yourself and your own training is part of mastering Kung Fu, and being able to effectively pass the system on to others. All the Sifus in the Moy Tung lineage have put years into Ving Tsun training, on their own, with their Sifu and classmates, and with the greater Moy Tung lineage at the regular series of workshops we offer active students.

There are over two dozen Moy Tung Kung Fu schools around the US and in Europe, so there may be a branch near you. You may even want to move to be near one, so you can apply yourself to training. If your goal is to master the system and teach it, to make a living from serving your community with instruction that develops life-improving and life-saving skills, this is a good move. You can also participate in live web video classes through many of the MTAA member schools, if one isn’t nearby, and travel or moving isn’t an option.