I have recently joined Leung Martial Arts Academy studying Wing Chun Kung Fu. With a personal background in western boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu I’ve experienced some culture shock with the transition. While some basic components remain the same, other components have completely thrown me for a loop, such as the stance and hand positioning. I have begun to take notes and record my impressions of the lessons and have decided to share some of my journey with all of you.

First, a bit about the school. Leung Martial Arts, located in downtown Eugene OR, was founded in the 70’s by Sifu David Leung. Sifu Leung was born in Hong Kong and has studied martial arts since he was 9 years old. He is a second generation student of Wing Chun Grandmaster Yip Man (under Master Ho Leung) and a third generation student of Yang style T’ai Chi Ch’uan Master Yang Ch’eng-fu. The academy offers a variety of Wing Chun Kung Fu, Yang Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Chen style Tai Chi classes.

The first notable difference in Wing Chun vs. my more familiar styles is the stance. In Muay Thai I stand weak side forward with foot pointing straight and strong foot back pointing about 45 degrees. My hips are square but my body is slightly turned. I stay on my toes and my hands are in front of my face at all times possible. The basic Wing Chun boxing stance is with hips and shoulders square, feet about shoulder length apart with toes turned in (you look like you have bird legs which is fitting since Wing Chun came from the Crane Kung Fu style). You relax into your hips with back straight, not arched, and hips rolled down so your butt doesn’t stick out. You are more flat footed in the Wing Chun stance, you often lead with your strong side and often incorporate pivot motions (like your feet are wiper blades) while you punch or block to either side. So far my biggest challenge is figuring out when and how to step.

Hand position is the next major difference. I have always been taught to keep my hands in front of my face at all times. When I punch the opposite hand is tucked close for face protection and after the punch that hand comes right back to the face. Wing Chun focuses on a strategy of close quarter simultaneous attack and defense that often requires you to touch your opponent so you can feel where they are going next. To this end you keep your hands farther out in front of you. While throwing a punch with one hand the other is in a relaxed position at mid-forearm to elbow of the punching arm.

In general the Wing Chun movements are relaxed and subtle compared to the precise and powerful blows of Muay Thai, though no less effective depending on the situation. Some similarities of the styles that I have trouble with is keeping a strong center line and not leaning too far when dodging a punch. I also have trouble keeping my thumb wrapped around my fingers, a bad habit I hadn’t noticed before due to the wraps and gloves I wear in Muay Thai and Western Boxing. So far I am enjoying the lessons and look forward to expanding my fighting skills at Leung Martial Arts.