Weng chun

Weng Chun

Grand Master Andreas Hoffmann and Master Haydar Yilmaz demonstrating Chi Sao in action
Parenthood	Yong Chun

Weng Chun Kung Fu (Chinese 永春 meaning "eternal spring", also known as Chi Sim Weng Chun) is a Chinese Martial Art. Weng Chun in its present form has been preserved and developed by Grand Master Andreas Hoffmann.

Chi Sim Weng Chun is considered a "soft" style martial art in that it utilizes the energy of the opponent to break their structure rather than trying to match their energy. The main focus is on combining physical fitness with the health of both the body and mind. This is achieved through a combination of hard physical training and a deep underlying philosophy of understanding one's body movements and how and why they are employed.

The ultimate goal in Weng Chun is complete mastery of both the body and the mind.

There are many interpretations of the history of Weng Chun Kung Fu. The chronological history according to Grandmaster Andreas Hoffmann is detailed on the main Weng Chun website. Other accounts have been documented by others including an extensive history of Weng Chun by Benny Meng and Jeremy Roadruck from the vtmuseum.

The philosophy of Weng Chun Kung Fu, like many martial arts relates to a way of life that goes much deeper than just fighting. Indeed, the traditional philosophy of kung fu relates to how to live one's life, rather than discovering truth in reality.

Weng Chun Kung Fu reflects this path in five levels of wisdom stretching for the basic understanding of physical moves such as how to throw a punch all the way to complete mastery of the body and mind, where the philosophy of kung fu extends to all aspects of the practitioner's life.

The basic level is known as Ying, which teaches basic forms and shapes. Ying can be considered the study of "what" techniques there are in combat, such as how to punch, or kick. The student achieves a deeper understanding of how to make these moves at the next level, known as Yi, where the principles used in Weng Chun are learned. Yi teaches the bridges and techniques employed in combat, focusing on the 18 Kiu Sao concepts. The third level, Lei then considers the shapes and forms employed in Ying and Yi and internalises these into an instinctive system, helped by mastering the forms through repetition. The student's skills developed in fighting can then be extended into other aspects of their lives, where discipline, self-control and other qualities can be employed into a philosophy of living the kung fu life. The next level is known as Faat (in Buddhism Dharma) which explores the methods, or ways of understanding reality. In Shaolin Weng Chun reality is expressed in space/time (heaven), energy (human) and gravity/identity (earth).

Finally Seut, meaning skill and showmanship relates to the expression of Weng Chun in our everyday lives where discipline, respect and the correct interaction with others is realized. The practitioner has at this point achieved mastery and all their actions are reflected in the kung fu life.