siu lim tau
The first form in Wing Chun is named Siu Lim Tao, which translates as Little or Small Idea. This is the most important of the three free hand forms as it introduces many of the basic hand and elbow movements used for blocking and striking. If a student cannot fully understand and apply this form, it is almost impossible to fully and correctly learn and understand the Wing Chun system.
First form teaches many concepts such as center line, forward energy, and the square stance. It also introduces center line punching, and many of the most commonly used blocks such as Tan Sau, Wu Sau, and Bong Sau, among others. Although the form can be taught in a short time, often around three months, students need to continue practicing Siu Lim Tau while learning to apply all techniques from the form. Only when students have a solid understanding of first form and are able to correctly apply the techniques should they start second form. Although many students are in a rush to advance, they must understand that a poor understanding and practice first form makes learning the rest of the Wing Chun system almost impossible as everything else builds on it. If Wing Chun were a building, then Siu Lim Tau is the foundation that the rest of the system is built on. |