How to Do Strikes in Wing Chun

Wing Chun is traditionally a very aggressive form of Chinese martial arts. Practitioners of the sport focus on attacking the center of their opponent's body. Wing Chun martial artists seldom miss when they strike. Perfect positioning and explosive movements ensure that each strike lands where it is intended. Read on to learn how to do strikes in Wing Chun.

Instructions

1. Recognize when to strike a Wing Chun opponent. Check to see that the opponent's arms are down or unable to block you. Note the opponent's torso and leg positioning. Make sure your opponent cannot easily retreat. If your opponent is up against a wall, he cannot retreat at all. If your opponent retreats even an inch, move forward to stay in position.

2. Close the distance between you and your opponent. Get in close position so that you strike the opponent with power. Make sure you are close enough so that your opponent cannot fully extend his arms. Watch the opponent's hands, elbows, hips, shoulders, knees, head and feet. Each part of his body can strike you when you move into close range. Block the Wing Chun opponent's strikes as you move into position.

3. Begin your strike inches away from the opponent's body. Explode your fist forward and make contact with the opponent's body.

4. Withdraw your fist quickly. Get into close range position and strike again.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice Wing Chun strikes on wooden dummies. This is part of the martial art's traditional practice.

• When proficient with hand strikes, learn to execute Wing Chun strikes with weapons. Wing Chun martial artists master strikes with double knives, straight swords, darts and long poles.

• Never execute a strike unless you are positive you can land it. Wing Chun operates on the principle that no punch should ever be wasted.

• Enter into a Wing Chun opponent's close range at your own risk. You are in position to give powerful strikes as well as receive them.