The Wing Chun structure helps the practitioner maintain stability and balance during combat. The practitioner uses this structure to absorb and redirect attacks.Structure should not be compromised for more powerful attacks as this would create openings that the opponent could take advantage of. In both attack and defence, Wing Chun techniques deliver a constant forward force directed at an opponent’s centreline so as to disrupt his stability.

5 Principles of Bodily Alignment

1. 鉗膝 (kim sat) squeeze the knees towards each other
2. 落馬 (lok maa) drop into the horse and sink down into the knees
3. 挺腰 (ting yiu) tilt the pelvis under slightly to connect the spine with the stance
4. 登頭 (dang tau) straighten the head and neck upwards while relaxing the shoulders downwards
5. 埋肘 (maai zaang) squeeze the elbows downward and inward

 

Sensitivity is defined as the ability to feel and determine the amount, type, and direction of the opponent’s energy. The more sensitive you become, the more information you can gain from your opponent, thus allowing you to coordinate your strengths to their weaknesses. With this ability, you can sense if the amount of energy is subtle or excessive, determine whether the type of energy is relaxed or tense, and anticipate whether the direction of energy is on your centerline, another crucial contact point, or in a direction that poses no threat.

One of the keys to obtaining sensitivity is having the ability to relax and remove tension from your body and mind while maintaining the correct positions. There are many Wing Chun exercises and drills that train practitioners to develop proper relaxation and sensitivity, such as don chi and chi sao.