Most styles of martial art have their own theory of practice. The WingChun system founded by Sifu Klaus Brand and transmitted by the International Academy of WingChun contains certain concepts based on our own research into functional Self-Defense.

These principles coordinate the performance and optimize the effectiveness of our technical movements. Many of them are in stark contrast to, and even conflict with, the ideas of more traditional lineages. We are not seeming iconoclasts for mere difference’s sake. The evolution, or perhaps revolution, of IAW WingChun is towards a theory and practice of Self-Defense unlimited by past doctrine and delineated by present applicability alone.

To paraphrase an old adage:

Theory without practice is fake art,
Practice without theory is dumb art,
Theory with practice is true art.

理論沒有實踐是假功夫，
實踐沒有理論是笨功夫，
理論結合實踐是真功夫。

The practice (Forms and Applications) and theory (Principles and Mottoes) of IAW WingChun are mutually consistent and collectively integrate a simple and useful mode of Self-Defense that is accessible to all via our natural teaching methodology and progressive learning curriculum. The intention of Sifu Klaus Brand in defining the following Principles and Mottoes is to succinctly identify the main characteristics of our unique approach.

Obviously, each of these short statements are the condensation of long experience. Students in the IAW should ask their Instructors for clarifying explanations and illustrative examples:

WingChun Principles

1. WingChun has two types of attack: the attack to the body of the opponent (primary objective) or, first of all, to his arm position.

2. Defense is an attack against the attacking arms or legs of the opponent.

3. In combat there is always an Attacker and a Defender. The Defender must first repel the attack. A trained WingChun practitioner determines whether he can attack directly or must defend first and then attack. Directly responding to an attack (to the body) with a counterattack (to the body) can be described as combative disaster.

4. Engage in Self-Defense without hesitation as soon as the Main Distance is reached. If the opponent initiates the attack you must first attack his attack (to defend) and then his body (to attack).

5. Attack from the outside or at an angle if possible and avoid attacking straight from your body midline because this is too easy to defend. Attacks from the outside cannot be ignored or displaced and can only be stopped with trained skill. You can attack straight only when the opponent displays no credible threat.

6. Never maintain contact with the arms of your opponent. Maintaining contact in combat is equivalent to stopping and is due to a technical misunderstanding.

7. Always use all of your available power to defend and to attack.

8. Never defend and attack at the same time. The defense and attack each require your full attention. If you are attacked you must put your energy into the defense and only when this succeeds can you start the attack.

WingChun Mottoes

1. If you think you are too weak, you are.

2. Learn to believe in yourself and trust your teacher.

3. Always improve your technical knowledge and therefore your physical and mental flexibility.

4. Work on the power of your technique because only technical power is usable power and is decisive in combat.

5. Work on your speed without sacrificing power. Technique, power and speed are the cornerstones of WingChun.

6. Work on toughening your arms with steady and dynamic training.

7. Never let yourself be influenced by the movements of your opponent and never yield.

8. The exchange between defense and attack, as well as an understanding of the two combat distances of WingChun, is the basis of Self-Defense and all of our training programs.

9. To fight you must have continual tension. Relaxed muscles are useless in combat.

10. Combat is not harmony. Do not fight if you do not have to. If you have to defend yourself, harmony returns only after the quick and successful end of combat.

11. The purpose of Self-Defense is to protect yourself, so do not spare your attacker while defending yourself.

12. Learn to defend yourself, to protect yourself from attacks that could endanger your health.

Download a copy of these WingChun Principles and Mottoes.

Learn More. Get our FREE Newsletter.