The second form of Wing Tsun is intriguing. It marks the progression of student from learning the basics to opening up a whole world of skills they probably never really new existed!

Once the movements and ideas of the Siu Num Tao (SNT) have been learned and absorbed the student is ready to use that hard work and apply it with movement. Footwork and balance comes into play in the Chum Kiu (CK) for the first time and that's really where the fun begins!

Over the coming weeks I will be glad to update you, answer questions and explore what makes the CK form so special and different. However let's start with the most puzzling aspect that occurs to most people after their first lesson on CK; "why does it start the same but feel funny?"

Well the SNT, CK and Biu Tze (BT) form all start the "same" but the mechanics behind the moves are different. Tailored specifically to the demands and concepts of each form/system, as a discrete unit of knowledge the opening of each form reminds us not just of the continuity in WT but the adaptability and depth to the art.

In CK the first two sections follow exactly the same sequence of movements. The double Tan, double gan, rebuild that opens the form has one significant change to it's SNT counterpart: timing. When building the bridge of double tan the CK version immediately drops into double gan on contact. There is no rest between each move instead the timing change means the centre of gravity is lifted and then dropped sharply, generating a much bigger force through the forearms.

The implication of this means that CK emphasises a proactive approach to an attacking energy. While SNT teaches a student to react and move calmly that is then built upon in CK with a quicker change redirecting an opponent's force and taking their balance in application. This is one of the crucial differences between the foundations SNT lays and the strategic insight CK affords the student.

This is made clearer in the second section where the punches of SNT are delivered in a "single shot pistol"  manner to quote GGM Leung Ting,  in CK the second heun sau is replaced by the second punch as the arm is drawn back. Crucially the difference in timing gives a counterbalance effect upon the body mechanics of the section. While the challenge of not being pulled out of the stance and keeping the shoulders square to deliver a maximum amount of force, the section once mastered will gift the student with a devastating chain punch over time.

Making the punches profoundly more powerful it also embodies the Wing Tsun motto of "when the way is clear go forward" - by replacing the fist of the first punch almost immediately with the fist of the second punch the student learns to hit harder and faster, as well as harnessing the 'reborn force' GM Kernspecht is such an expert in delivering. Essential for fast and effective chain punches, a student should again become aware of the profound differences the CK makes to their Wing Tsun's effectiveness.

Arguably the CK is the form where a student learns to apply the knowledge they are learning. This means that students must start to look for links between movements, concepts and techniques to master the form and develop their proficiency in WT. To do this hard work and acknowledging the fundamental principles of the art are necessary alongside the differences between the form the student knows so well and the one they are learning.

Separating their thoughts and understanding between SNT and CK during practice is an essential skill the student must learn now if they hope to progress. Evaluating and comparing them afterwards is the mark of someone with a real passion and talent for their art. Being able to distinguish between different systems with WT is essential not just to compartmentalise practice but fully understand and apply what you've learnt.

Happy training!