Wing Chun techniques, movements, blows and catches
The Wing Chun martial style is made up of a compendium of techniques from various styles of Chinese Kung fu such as snake, crane and mantis. We have created this glossary to list the most important Wing Chun techniques of the system and their different applications in combat.
We hope that this list of technical vocabulary is useful for the initial practitioner and for the expert practitioner of martial arts. Likewise, at the end of the article you can find some highly recommended books to learn the art of Wing Chun in even more depth.
Kuen (punch)
The translation of "Chuen" or "Kuen" means fist and refers to blows where the presence of a punch intervenes.
Jarn (elbow)
The translation of "Jarn" means elbow. This term is used for techniques or blows where an elbow intervenes.
Cheung (palm)
"Cheung" is the literal translation of "palm" in English. It is usually used in techniques where palm strikes are used.
Gerk (kick)
The Chinese word "Ti" is used to name Wing Chun techniques where a kick is involved, frequently combined with other terms such as "Gerk".
Wu sao (back hand; protective arm)
"Wu sao" is the defensive position of Wing Chun. It is a guard designed for medium-short distance combat that covers the center by extending the hands.
Basic glossary of intersection and defense techniques
Pak sao (hitting hand)
The translation of "Pak sao" is "hitting hand." One of the basic penetration techniques of Wing Chun.
Tan sao (outstretched hand)
The word "Tan sao" means "outstretched hand." It is one of the most used defensive techniques in the forms, chi sao and applications of Wing Chun.
Bong sao (wing hand)
"Bong sao" or "wing hand" is another of the most common defensive techniques and involves the use of the arm and elbow to deflect attacks.
Lan sao (grasping hand)
The most commonly used translation of the term "Lan sao" is gripping hand or blocking hand. It is a basic technique that consists of grabbing the opponent to unbalance him or counterattack.
Cham sao (sunken hand)
"Cham sao" whose translation is "sunken hand" is a close-range interceptor technique that involves the use of the palm to control the center.
Fook sao (held hand)
"Fook Sao" is one of the positions used in the Chi Sao exercise, used to control the opponent's arm.
Fak sao (strike with hand)
The "Fak sao" technique is executed horizontally and is designed to attack the head area.
Basic Glossary of Kicking Techniques
Dim gerk (stinging leg)
Although Wing Chun is not known for its kicks, the "Dim gerk" kick is used to stop and intercept the opponent with a forceful blow.
Wang gerk (side kick)
"Wang gerk" is another of the kicks most used to perform counters and attacks at close range, unlike "Dim gerk" it is a kick that takes advantage of distance and can be combined with other techniques such as the "Kwan sao".
Basic Glossary of Advanced Combat Techniques
Man sao (inquisitorial arm)
One of the system's counterattack techniques is "Man sao" a penetrating technique used to break the opponent's stability.
Kwan sao (tangled hands)
"Kwan Sao" is a combined defensive technique that involves the use of a "Bong Sao" with a "Tan Sao".
Wang jeung (lower palm)
One of the advanced palm techniques is "Wang jeung", a low palm that attacks the opponent's stomach using the power of the Mah (horse).
Gaun sao (sharp blow)
"Gaung sao" is an active sinking technique whose main objective is to break the opponent's defenses while controlling them.
Jeet kuen (interceptor fist)
"Jeet kuen" is the best known of the Wing Chun techniques, hence the name of the martial art Jeet Kune Do.
Biu Jee (piercing fingers)
Penetrating finger techniques or "Biu jee" are advanced applications of the latest forms of the system, designed to attack sensitive areas such as the eyes, throat and ears.
Some recommended books to learn and improve Wing Chun techniques
“The Nature of Muk Yan Jong” by Sifu Santiago Pascual – This book delves into the structure and philosophy of Wing Chun, focusing on the concept of “Jong” and its practical application in the art. See book
“The Art of Wing Chun” by Sifu Santiago Pascual – This book offers an accessible and practical approach to the techniques and principles of Wing Chun, ideal for beginners and advanced practitioners. See book
