Ancient Chinese masters used the term ‘living philosophy’ to describe the art of Wing Tsun Kung-Fu.

Wing Tsun, at the highest level, teaches you to understand yourself and how to interact with other human beings. Combining the principles of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, the practice of Wing Tsun is focused on enshrining its fundamental concepts in those who practice it. These include a true appreciation of honour, loyalty, dignity, respect for other human beings, control of ego, emotions and temper. Without these, one cannot master himself or Wing Tsun, which is one and the same.

It is these unique charcteristics which has led to the art being widely regarded as ‘the noble Wing Tsun.’ Great progress of the student is the ultimate goal of Wing Tsun. In fact, ‘Si-Fu’ translates as ‘Father-Teacher’, signifying the role of the Master as he takes on the responsibility of his ‘todai’ (son). This in unlike most other Martial Arts, such as Karate where ‘Sensei’ simply means ‘Teacher’.

The three main features of Wing Tsun is Physical, Health and Spiritual. It’s regrettably infrequent to find schools to teach these three together. Spiritual guidance and understanding can only come from a true Master, whereas physical technique can be emulated. One of the most important teachings in Wing Tsun is that as a student’s physical techniques develop, he/she also develops as a person.

To truly comprehend the Martial Art does not require you to be or become Chinese, you simply need to understand the teachings of previous and current masters of the system. However, without appreciating the historical and social background, it is not possible. Properly learning the martial art is important before changing any part of it, as to not undermine the basic foundations.

Removing etiquette or culture leads to the exclusion of history. It is important to learn the history of martial arts. Simply a series of movies without any understanding or principles behind them. This differs from what is considered a true martial art.

The necessity to learn Martial Art is basically no different from wanting to learn something else such humanities or law terminology. As Hiliare Barnett, author of the book Constitutional and Administrative Law, states in her work, “to study the UK’s constitution successfully, it is necessary to gain an insight into the history, politics and political philosphy which underpin the constitution, it is an essential component without which the structure, law and policies of the state cannot be understood.”