Chum Kiu

Introduction

The second form in the Wing Chun System is called Chum Kiu and roughly translated it means "Seeking for the bridge or arm seeking form"

Chum Kiu teaches the student intermediate positions, energies and techniques. Also combines the hand and feet movements and is predominantly known as the footwork form.

Chum Kiu also introduces kicks, which would be applied no higher than an opponent's waist as any higher would be deemed as inefficient.

It shows how the Wing Chun hand positions are used with the stance and weight distribution. Also highlighted within the Chum Kiu is the concept of distance, which is governed by footwork.

Understading Chum Kiu

First Section

The first section of Chum Kiu teaches the student about weight distribution therefore the stance in Chum Kiu is slightly wider than that of Sil Lim Tao so you are more stable whist turning and adjusting your weight.

Once you have finished turning the arms are unfolded from the double Lan Sau in to Fut Sau which is again derived from having pressure on the elbow. Then there is an arms are used together to deliver an arm break to an opponent.

This section also teaches the student about multiple directions as you use turning Bong Sau and folding Lan Sau. Pay attention to the poison of Lan Sau as this is a distance provider, not just for you as an attack but also defence. This also shows the relationship of Bong Sau and Lan Sau as you would move in on an opponent you can use the Lan Sau to pin an opponents arm to their body.

This section also introduces two way energy which gives the student additional power to their strike.

Second Section

The second section of Chum Kiu introduces Wing Chun stepping techniques. This combines the upper and lower body enabling the students stepping techniques to compliment his arm techniques. It is very important that the student’s body all moves at the same time for example you could be venerable if your legs move slightly before your hands

This section also introduces kicks are applied no higher than the waist of a would be opponent. Kicks are used in this section as to warn off opponents or used to step in and bridge the gap and gain contact of your opponent hence the forms name "seeking the bridge."

Pay close attention to the Bong Sau in this section as this is seen that you have had your wrist or hand trapped; therefore you are still able to use your elbow, which some call "emergency Bong Sau"

The last part of this section closes with you turning and correcting you centre line from Bong Sau in to a Jum Sau or strike.

Third Section

The third section of Chum Kiu opens with a crescent kick, again this is to highlight that there may be a distance between you and an opponent therefore the kick is to close this distance or warn off and create distance.

You then move into a tense, Low double Bong Sau position before moving into a low relaxed double Tan Sau Position. The Low Bong Sau is tense because there is more of the body to protect and if it were relaxed your whole body structure would be interrupted and position compromised - See Bong Sau.

The Tan Sau in this section can be seen as a linking movement or a just a low Tan Sau which you have used after the Low Bong Sau against a low strike to the mid section

The end of this section shows a defence against a strangle whilst stepping back and striking the strangle hold with a double Jut Sau, a double palm strike is delivered, rolled round in what can be seen as a back fist and then the arms are put back into the read position.

You then step back and turn 180 degree this turn is again teaching how to redistribute your weight, and turn effectively as you may need to turn and attack at the same time.

The Three Gum Sau / Wu Sau movement at the end of the form shows how to turn and block simultaneously.

This completes Chum Kiu.

The third form is Biu Tze, amongst other things this introduces the student to advanced energies and positions.