Wing Chun Techniques
THE KEY CONCEPTS, TECHNIQUES, AND METHODS OF WING CHUN — MADE CLEAR
Short Definition
Wing Chun techniques are built around simple, efficient movements designed for close-range self-defence. Each hand shape has a purpose, a principle, and a tactical use. This page gives you a clear overview of the core Wing Chun techniques taught across all WCKUK schools, with links to detailed explanations inside our glossary.
Core Defensive & Structural Techniques
The key Wing Chun techniques, drills, and structural hand shapes, clearly explained.
Tan Sau – Palm-Up Hand
Used to regain the centreline and create structure while intercepting or redirecting force.
👉 Tan Sau – Palm-Up Hand (full definition)
Bong Sau – Wing Arm
A defensive shape used to deflect incoming force while keeping the centre protected.
👉 Bong Sau – Wing Arm (full definition)
Pak Sau – Slapping Hand
A quick deflecting action used to interrupt, redirect, or clear an opponent’s attack.
👉 Pak Sau – Slapping Hand (full definition)
Lap Sau – Pulling Hand
Used to pull or jerk the opponent’s guard away, opening a direct attacking line.
👉 Lap Sau – Pulling Hand (full definition)
Fook Sau – Subduing Hand
Controls the opponent’s arm while maintaining forward intent and sensitivity.
👉 Fook Sau – Subduing Hand (full definition)
Wu Sau – Protecting Hand
A guarding shape used to maintain structure and defend the centreline.
👉 Wu Sau – Protecting Hand (full definition)
Kiu Sau – Bridging Hand
Used to connect, control, and maintain pressure when bridging an opponent’s guard.
👉 Kiu Sau – Bridging Hand (full definition)
Sensitivity & Contact Based Techniques
These Wing Chun drills build reflexes, pressure control, timing, and tactile sensitivity through structured contact training.
Single Sticking Hands – Daan Chi Sau
Develops reflexes, structure, and correct forward pressure through controlled contact.
👉 Daan Chi Sau – Single Sticking Arm (full definition)
Seung Chi Sau – Double Sticking Hands
Builds sensitivity, timing, and flow while applying techniques in motion.
👉 Seung Chi Sau – Double Sticking Arms (full definition)
Rolling Arms – Poon Sau
Trains relaxation, redirection, and the ability to maintain control under pressure.
👉 Poon Sau – Rolling Arm (full definition)
Gor Sau – Free Crossing Arms
A freer exchange of techniques to test timing, reactions, and composure.
👉 Gor Sau – Free Crossing Arms (full definition)
CHI GERK – STICKING LEG
Develops balance, trapping, and sensitivity in lower-body exchanges.
👉 Chi Gerk – Sticking Leg (full definition)
Tui Ma – Stance Pressure Test
Tests stability, rooting, and the ability to redirect pressure through correct structure.
👉 Tui Ma – Stance Pressure Test (full definition)
Footwork & Movement Techniques
These Wing Chun stepping and stance patterns develop mobility, structure, balance, rooting, and efficient movement under pressure.
Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma – Character Two, Clamping Stance
The foundational stance that develops alignment, rooting, and structure.
👉 Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma – Character Two Clamping Stance (full definition)
Juen Ma – Turning Stance
Used to rotate the body safely while maintaining centreline protection.
👉 Juen Ma – Turning Stance (full definition)
Sei Ping Ma – Horse Stance
A training stance used to build stability, strength, and posture.
👉 Sei Ping Ma – Horse Stance (full definition)
Jin Bo – Arrow Step
A stepping action used to advance with balance and direct forward pressure.
👉 Jin Bo – Arrow Step (full definition)
Jui Ma – Pursuit Step
Used to chase and close the distance while maintaining line and structure.
👉 Jui Ma – Pursuit Step (full definition)
Mui Fa Bo – Plum Blossom Step
Footwork pattern used to train mobility, angle changes, and positional control.
👉 Mai Fa Bo – Plum Blossom Step/ (full definition)