Introduction

Welcome to the language of Wing Chun Kung Fu, a martial art renowned for its efficiency and fluidity. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, understanding the terminology is essential for mastering the techniques. This glossary serves as a comprehensive guide to the specialized terms you'll encounter in your training journey. From basic stances like "Hoi-Ma" to complex techniques like "Bart-Cham-Dao," this list is designed to enhance your understanding and practice of Wing Chun Kung Fu. Dive in and familiarize yourself with the English and Cantonese terms to get the most out of your training.

Wing Chun Terminology

Glossary

Provides a comprehensive list of specialized terms you'll encounter in your Wing Chun Kung Fu training. Ideal for practitioners at all levels, the glossary covers everything from basic stances to intricate techniques, helping you become more fluent in the language of this martial art.

BART-CHAM-DAO

Eight Cutting Broadswords Techniques

BIU-TZE

Thrusting Fingers Form • 3rd Form

BIU-TZE-SAU

Thrusting Fingers (Movement)

BONG-SAU

Wing-Arm

CHANG-SAU

Spade-Hand

CHI-DAN-SAU

Single Arm Clinging / Sticky Hands (Exercise)

CHI-KWUN

Pole Clinging (Exercise)

CHIN-GUM-SAU

Front Pinning Hand

CHI-SAU

Arm Clinging / Sticky Hands (Exercise)

CHI-SHEUNG-SAU

Double Arm Clinging / Sticky Hands (Exercise)

CHUEN-KIU

Piercing Arm

CHUM-KIU

Arm Seeking Form • 2nd Form

CHUNG-LO

Mid-Level

CHUNG-SUM-SIN

Center Line

DING-JARN

Butting Elbow

DUI-KOK-MA / JU-SUN-MA

Diagonal Stance / Sliding Stance

FAK-SAU

Whisking Arm

FOOK-SAU

Bridge-on Arm

GUAN-SAU

Splitting Block

GUM-SAU

Pinning Hand

HAR-LO

Lower Level

HAU-GUM-SAU

Back Pinning Hand

HOI-MA

Setting up of Stance

HUEN-BO / KAU-BO

Circling Steps / Plucking Steps

HUEN-GOT-SAU

Circling Cut

HUEN-SAU

Circling Hand (Wrist)

JU-CHEUNG

Sideward Palm

JU-GUM-SAU

Side Pinning Hand

JUM-SAU

Sinking Block

JU-SUN-KUEN

Sliding Punch

JUT-SAU

Jerk Hand

KAU-SAU

Circling Block

KUEN

Fist

KUEN-TO

Boxing Form

KUO-SAU

Fighting Practice

KWAI-JARN

Downward Elbow Strike

KWUN-MA

Pole Stance

KWUN-SAU

Rotating Arms

LAN-SAU

Scooping Arm

LAP-SAU

Deflecting Arm

LAU-SAU

Scooping Arm

LIN-WAN-KUEN

Chain Punches / Alternate Thrusting Punches

LOK-SAU

Rolling Arms (Exercise)

LUK-DIM-BOON-KWUN

Six and A Half Point Long Pole Techniques

MANG-GENG-SAU

Neck Pulling Hand

MAN-SAU

Inquisitive Arm

MUK-YAN-CHONG

Wooden Dummy

NOT-MOON

Indoor Area

NUK-SAU

Free Hand Fighting Practice

OI-MOON

Outdoor Area

PAK-SAU

Slap Block

PIE-JARN

Elbow Hacking

PO-PAI-CHEUNG

Double Palms

SAAM-KOK-BO

Triangular (Advancing) Steps

SAAM-SING-CHONG

Three Star Dummy / Tripodal Dummy

SAAM-PAI-FUT (Siu-Nim-Tau)

Praying Thrice to the Buddha

SHAT-GENG-SAU

Throat Cutting Hand

SHEUNG KUEN

Double Punches

SHEUNG LO

Upper Level

SIU-NIM-TAU

Little Idea Form • 1st Form

TAN-SAU

Palm Up Arm

TIE-SAU

Lifting Arms / Rising of Arms

TUT-SAU

Freeing Arm

WU-SAU

Protective Arm

Wing Chun Titles and Relationships

The various roles and hierarchical relationships within the Wing Chun community. From Grand Master of a Style to students, this glossary helps to define the intricate web of titles that exist within the practice, underscoring the respect and lineage that are crucial to the martial art.

CHUNG-SI

Grand Master of a Style

DAI-GEE

Student / Follower / Disciple

KUNG-FU

Work / Knowledge / Martial Art

SI-DEI

Younger Kung-Fu Brother

SI-HING

Elder Kung-Fu Brother

SI-JE

Elder Kung-Fu Sister

SIFU

Kung-Fu Instructor

SI-KUNG

Kung-Fu Grandfather / Teacher of Sifu

SI-MO

Wife of Sifu

SI-MUI

Younger Kung Fu Sister

Wing Chun Principles and Strategies

The core philosophies and tactical approaches that form the backbone of Wing Chun Kung Fu. This section serves as a guide to understanding the martial art's unique techniques for both defense and offense, offering insights into how practitioners can gain the upper hand through smart, efficient movements and mental preparedness.

LIN SIU DIE DAR

Defend and Attack in one motion

LOY LAU HUI SONG, LAT SAU JIK CHUNG

Stay with what comes, follow as it retreats and thrust forward at disengagement

BE SOFT, BUT NOT YIELDING; BE FIRM, BUT NOT STRONG

Balance softness with resilience and strength with adaptability in Wing Chun movements.

Note: The terms and definitions provided in this glossary are based on traditional Wing Chun teachings and may vary slightly between different schools or lineages.

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