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Wing Chun Academy of Thailand
WING CHUN LESSONS CHUM KIU
INTRODUCTION
Chum Kiu, Searching the Bridge, or Bridging, can mean many things in
Wing Chun. First, it is the bridge that takes you across from the
beginner's level to the next. The bridge also signifies the distance
that is required for you to accomplish the mission you've been trained
to conduct. The distance can be physical or a space of time. The
physical distance could be between you and your opponent, or the
distance that is required for you to disable your opponent. The space of
time could be the time required to immobilize your opponent, or the time
required for you to master Wing Chun. The mission could be to disable,
maim, or destroy your opponent, or to reach a certain level of
superiority in the art.
In warfare, a bridge is used to take a force across an obstacle,
transport armory and supplies. It is also used as a form of
communication to abstract informtion about a new territory or people.
The information is not always used to conquor a people, but also for friendluy purposes.
A bridge in Wing Chun is used the same way as in warfare or for common
use. In order to cross from one end of the bridge to another, you need
to take steps, whether physical or mental. When you tread new grounds,
you must do with caution and certainty. The Wing Chun System prepares
you for this by training you on the Chum Kiu form.
In the Siu Lim Tao level, you were trained within the castle on how to
defend it. You were physically trained as foot-soldiers. Some of you
were posted as castle-guards in different areas within the castle; some
as defense team in the outer parameters of the castle to fend off
appraching enemy; and some as the offense team to destroy approaching
enemy.
Once you are physically fit, know the fundamentals of warfare, have been
trained on good soldiering, have successfully defended the castle in
some battles ... you are then promoted to the cavalry team. You are
given a horse that you will need to train and train on. You will now
prepare yourself to venture out of the castle, cross your own castle
bridge, venture into the fields, and cross over the bridge of your
enemy's castle.
You are no longer stationed. You will go out to conquor your enemy;
immobolize its soldiers, capture the commander, and occupy his
castle.
Chum Kiu form prepares you for cavalry warfare. You no longer rely on
your 2 legs. Your lower torso now belongs to the horse. You become a
centaur. Your lower torso becomes stronger and more stable. A good
strong horse will lead you to victory.
What equates to a good, stable and strong horse?
Click the Horse-Selection link to read on.
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