Radcliffe College of Self Defence and Filipino Martial Arts
established 1987
Grandmaster Chu Shong Tin Linage
Grandmaster Chu Shong Tin (on the left) sitting next to Ip Man
Origins Of Wing Chun
Wing Chun Kung-Fu originated in Southern China under the reign of the Kangxi Emperor (1662-1722). It began in the border region between the provinces of Yunnan and Szechwan, which was a rich source of martial arts development during the Qing Dynasty, which lasted from 1644-1912. This period of history is commonly known as the Manchu Dynasty.
The oral history of the style states that one of the Five Elders of the Shaolin Temple – a female Abbess named Ng Mui – developed the founding principles of the art following her completed studies of the more traditional, animal-influenced Shaolin styles and the Fujian White Crane style of Kung-Fu.
Her own experiences during both armed and unarmed engagements vs. more powerful male combatants led her to revise these existing fighting methods, developing a more intelligent approach that emphasised superior technical skills instead of brute force, thus being ideally suited to the physically smaller, less powerful person.
Allegedly, Ng Mui had cause to teach her new, as yet unnamed method to a young woman named Yim Wing Chun to help her overcome the attentions of an unwanted suitor. Yim proved to be an excellent student, mastering the principles sufficiently to emerge victorious from her challenge match and thus uphold the honour of her family and her teacher. In recognition of her effort and dedication, Ng Mui chose to name the new style after her student, and so the history of Wing Chun Kuen – literally “Wing Chun’s Boxing”, began in earnest.
History & Spread Of Wing Chun
From the conception of the art until the early 19th century, we only have oral histories to study. These inevitably contain many variations and discrepancies, and are widely interspersed with folklore, legend and embellishment.
However from the 19th Century onwards we encounter the first written histories of the style, beginning with Dr. Leung Jan (1826 – 1901) and the historically significant Red Junk Opera Company. There are many ongoing discussions concerning the validity and content of Wing Chun’s historical documentation, from this period until the late 1960’s, however they are not really useful for the purposes of this article. You can read & contribute to the discussions yourself right here if you are so inclined.
From around 1970, the Wing Chun style began to come to the attention of a wider audience largely thanks to the career of the world-renowned martial artist & screen actor Bruce Lee, and subsequently the work of fellow martial artist, actor, producer & director Sammo Hung. Already enjoying widespread popularity throughout Asia, the style began to spread and be studied across Europe, the USA and the Western nations.
Before his travels to the USA and his subsequent rise to fame through his groundbreaking movies, Bruce Lee spent a short period studying Wing Chun under Ip Man who was, and still arguably is, the most famous Master of the art to date.
In 2008 the story of Ip Man (Yip Man) was adapted into a superb movie series featuring many stars of martial cinema, some wonderful fight choreography, and the excellent Donnie Yen playing the role of Grandmaster Ip Man. The second part of the movie was released in April 2010, the third part in late 2015 – featuring none other than the ex-world champion boxer Mike Tyson in a villainous role. The final instalment of the series arrived in 2019.
Although Bruce Lee went on to explore his own path via his Jeet Kune Do philosophy, these developments drew heavily upon the Wing Chun style. This is not to detract from his many achievements – indeed without his huge contribution the world of martial arts would be in a very different situation today – a situation which finds the art of Wing Chun Kung-Fu enjoying enormous popularity and development within the martial arts world, not least here in the United Kingdom.
Why The Many Different Spellings?
You will have noticed that there are many different ways of spelling the same art. These include: Wing Chun, Wing Tsun, Ving Tsun, Wing Tyun, Weng Chun and Yong Chun. Although these terminologies all refer to the same style of Kung-Fu, the spelling and pronunciation can often cause confusion.
Some differences in spelling are because of the way the various Chinese languages and dialects are translated (or “romanized”) into English and other European languages; for instance the letter “W” is pronounced as “V” in German, and vice-versa. The actual sound of the Chinese character lies somewhere between the two, and so this situation often leads to the Wing / Ving difference. A similar problem exists with the “T” and “C” sounds of Chun / Tsun.
Another reason is that besides Wing Chun, the letters “WC” are also used to abbreviate Water Closet (i.e. a toilet) in some Western languages. This meaningless coincidence has led to the spelling Tsun to grow in popularity. Humans are like that.
Additionally, some of the more well-established approaches and family lineages within the style have adopted a particular spelling in an attempt to differentiate themselves, or carve out a niche within the marketplace. Examples of this include students of the popular Wong Shun Leung method using the Ving Tsun spelling, whilst students of the widespread Leung Ting system adopt the WingTsunspelling (without a space) to refer to their approach to the art.
The Many Branches of Wing Chun
Quite naturally, the “tree” of Wing Chun has grown numerous branches throughout its long history; some large, some small. Inevitably some of these branches have withered and died, existing now only in historical documents. Some branches have ceased to grow and develop, and so are in slow decline. However some branches are still very much alive, exploring, developing, progressing the art, and teaching new generations of students.
I am extremely fortunate to have personally studied many of the different branches of Wing Chun, both popular and unorthodox. I have also taught a great many students who were experienced in different approaches too. Despite their previous training and viewpoints, they all stayed with me for many years to study and explore my unique, strategy-based approach to the art.
I have been told many times that despite being relatively recent (I began sharing it in 2005), my branch is one of the most comprehensive, adaptable and effective ways of Wing Chun that exists. This is high praise coming from such experienced people, and I remain eternally thankful that they understood and shared my vision.
A complete listing and discussion of all branches of the Wing Chun style is beyond the scope of this page, but can be found right herefor those who are interested. However there are some characteristics that all branches have in common, and I’ll look at these shared features next.
Common Wing Chun Characteristics
No matter which branch of Wing Chun you study, you’ll be exposed to these general training methods. However the devil is in the detail, and the training methods of some branches are more fit for purpose than others. Just like cars, you have to drive a few before you find one that suits your requirements.
>Forms
These are short sequences of movements containing all the required tools of Wing Chun Kung-Fu. Unlike Kata (Japanese, Karate) or Hyeong (Korean, Taekwondo) they are not a prescribed series of techniques performed against an imaginary opponent, but rather a compact toolkit or alphabet illustrating all the necessary concepts and movements used in fighting.
The actual number of forms used will vary depending on the approach to the style. Some Wing Chun methods teach six or more forms, whilst others use as few as three. The same is true for the reasoning and actual content of each form. Some methods possess very well-developed, detailed, precise and coherent forms, whilst others seem to lack design, understanding and any real purpose.
> Chi-Sao
Pronounced Chee-Saow, this is a series of exercises used to develop a keen tactile awareness, or ‘sensitivity’ to the direction & amount of pressure applied to the limbs.
When in close-contact with an opponent, things may happen too quickly to be able to rely solely on visual reactions. Tactile reactions are far quicker, and turn the three-step process of see-think-move into the two-step process of feel-move.
Once again, the actual quality & depth of Chi-Sao training will vary depending on the approach. Some Wing Chun methods have very systematic, detailed Chi-Sao programmes covering all limbs, whilst others prefer just a few short, traditional drills.
> Practical Applications
This is when the combat reactions developed within Chi-Sao and other drills are applied in sparring exercises with a live opponent.
Consider the difference between learning mathematics in a classroom, and then applying the same skills in the real world. Money is a good example – children often get their first taste of applied mathematics when trying to work out the correct change they should receive after a transaction. The techniques of adding and subtracting numbers, which they have mastered on paper, suddenly feel very different when standing at a checkout in a queue of impatient customers.
Chi-Sao is wonderful, but applied Chi-Sao is what Wing Chun is all about. You have to be able to apply your skills in real situations.
> Wooden Dummy
Training on the wooden man or Mook-Yan-Chong is common to all branches of the style, although huge differences exist concerning when, how and even why such training is done.
The Wooden Dummy is a very versatile training aid unique to Wing Chun Kung-Fu, and is used in many ways. Some consider it the ultimate strong opponent, forcing you to adapt yourself to immovable positions. Some use the “rebound” force the dummy generates when struck as an impulse for further movement, and some use it as a way of conditioning their limbs to be resilient to impacts.
The Wooden Dummy can be profitably used at ALL stages of Wing Chun training under the guidance of an instructor, however it is usually only at the advanced stages of the art where regular, constant training takes place using this specialised piece of equipment.
Grandmaster Chu Shong Tin with Grandmaster Yip Man and Grandmaster Jim Fung
Chu Shong-tin (also Tsui Sheung-tin or Toi Shan-tien) (Chinese: 徐尚田; 1933–2014) was grand master of Wing Chun kung fu who had lived in Hong Kong. He was the third student of the famous teacher Yip Man, and remained at Yip Man's school to become his senior instructor.
Chu Shong-tin was born in Guangzhou China on 13 May 1933 and moved to Hong Kong in 1949. He started work as the secretary of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Restaurant Workers Union where he met Master Ip Man, who was teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu to members of the union. The two became friends and in 1951 Chu became the third student of Master Ip after Leung Sheung and Lok Yiu. Chu Shong-tin trained and eventually taught continuously from 1951 until his passing in 2014.
Early on, Chu questioned Master Ip about the meaning of the first Wing Chun form name - Siu Nim Tau - and was just told "keep practicing". He persevered in only practicing this first form and eventually "felt something different while practicing. A sort of understanding that was not there before." He told his Master about his experience and Ip Man started to call him "Siu Nim Tau Wong (小念頭王)" or "Siu Nim Tau King ".
In 1977, the martial art magazine Secret's of Kung Fu (distributed in Australia, the U.K, the US and France) stated "The four most highly-achieved exponents of the Wing Chun School at Present are Sifu Liang Hsiang (Leung Sheung), Sifu Lo Yao (Lok Yiu), Sifu Huang Ch'un-Liang (Wong Shun-leung) and Sifu Hsu Shang-t'ien (Chu Shong-tin). They have all been given an in-depth teaching of true learning by Ip Man and are well-known in martial art circles.
In 1988, Chu Shong-tin was invited to Australia to represent Wing Chun (Ving Tsun) Chinese Kung Fu at the 1988 International Ancient Martial Arts and Cultural Exhibition. In 1992, the first trip to represent Ving Tsun (Wing Chun) back to mainland China, to the birthplace of Ving Tsun, Foshan, was organized by Master Ip Chun ( Master Ip Man's son) of The Ving Tsun Athletic Association. The trip was led Master's Chu Shong-tin, Wong Shun-leung, Ip Ching, and others.
Chu Shong-tin was on the Ving Tsun Athletic Association Board of Directors from 1997 to 1999 and 2002 - 2004 (serving as Chairman of the Board in 1999)In 1999, as Chairman of the VTAA Board, Master Chu, along with Ip Man's sons (Master Ip Chin and Master Ip Chun) realized a dream that Master Ip had had 38 years before, to organise a conference of Ving Tsun (Wing Chun) practitioners from all over the world.
Grandmaster Ip Man
Ip Man (born Ip Kai-man; 1 October 1893 – 2 December 1972), also known as Yip Man, was a Chinese martial arts grandmaster. He became a teacher of the martial art of Wing Chun when he was 20. He had several students who later became martial arts masters in their own right, the most famous among them being Bruce Lee.
Early life
Ip Man was born as Ip Kai-man (葉繼問) to Ip Oi-dor (葉靄多) and Ng Shui (吳瑞) as the third of four children. He grew up in a wealthy family in Foshan (Fatshan), Guangdong(Kwangtung), and received traditional Chinese education, alongside his elder brother Ip Kai-gak (葉繼格), elder sister Ip Wan-mei (葉允媚), and younger sister Ip Wan-hum (葉允堪).
Ip started learning Wing Chun from Chan Wah-shun when he was 9 or 13. Chan was 57 at the time, and Ip became Chan's 16th and last student. Due to Chan's age, he was able to train Ip for only three years before suffering a mild stroke in 1909 and retiring to his village. Ip learned most of his skills and techniques from Chan's second-most senior student, Ng Chung-sok (吳仲素).
At the age of 16, with help from his relative, Leung Fut-ting, Ip moved to Hong Kong and there he attended school at St. Stephen's College, by then a secondary school for wealthy families and foreigners living in Hong Kong. Six months after moving to Hong Kong, a classmate of Ip's named Lai told him that a friend of Lai's father who was an expert in Kung Fu techniques was living with them, and had offered to have a friendly sparring match with Ip.
At the time, Ip was undefeated so he eagerly accepted the challenge. He went to Lai's house on a Sunday afternoon and, after exchanging brief pleasantries, challenged the man to a duel. The man was Leung Bik and he easily overwhelmed Ip Man. Incredulous at the speed with which he had been countered, Ip requested a second duel and was beaten again, just as soundly.
Discouraged by his defeat, Ip left without a word and afterwards was so depressed that he did not dare mention that he knew Kung Fu. A week later, Lai told him that the man he had fought was asking after him. Ip replied that he was too embarrassed to return, at which point Lai told him that Leung Bik had highly praised his Kung Fu techniques and that he was the son of Leung Jan, who trained Ip's master, Chan Wah-shun. Ip proceeded to train with Leung Bik, until Leung's death in 1911.
Ip returned to Foshan in 1916 when he was 24 and became a police officer there for the Nationalist government. He taught Wing Chun to several of his subordinates, friends, and relatives, but did not officially run a martial arts school. Noted students of this time were Lok Yiu, Chow Kwong-yue (周光裕), Kwok Fu (郭富), Lun Kah (倫佳), Chan Chi-sun (陳志新), and Lui Ying (呂應 ). Chow Kwong-yue was regarded as most talented of Ip's Foshan students, but he devoted himself to trade and abandoned the martial arts. Kwok Fu and Lun Kah began teaching and spreading the art of Wing Chun in the Foshan and Guangdong region. Cahn Chi-sun and Lui Ying moved to Hong Kong but neither accepted students.
He married Cheung Wing-sing and they had several children: sons Ip Chun and Ip Ching, and daughters Ip Nga-sum (葉雅心) and Ip Nga-wun (葉雅媛).
During the second Sino-Japanese war, Ip Man sided with Kuomintang during the conflict. What Ip Man did during the war remains unclear. It is rumoured that he had joined the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics in its academy in Guizhou in 1938, after which he would have returned to Foshan as an undercover intelligence officer. However, the veracity of this has been disputed. It is believed Yip went to live with Kwok Fu during the war and only returned to Foshan at the end of the war.
After the war, Ip Man served for a few years as captain of the Foshan police patrols. Ip found some time to train his second son, Ip Ching, during the year 1949. At the end of 1949, after the Chinese Communist Party won the Chinese Civil War, as Ip was a member of the Kuomintang, Ip, his wife and their elder daughter, Ip Nga-sum, left Foshan for Hong Kong.
Life in Hong Kong
Ip, his wife Cheung, and their daughter arrived in Hong Kong through Macau in 1950. His wife and daughter later returned to Foshan to retrieve their identity cards. Due to the closure of borders between China and Hong Kong in 1951, Ip and Cheung were separated for good, with Cheung remaining in Foshan until her death.
After having moved to Hong Kong, the 56-year-old Ip Man struggled with unemployment. Ip's only prior experience was as a policeman in Foshan, but he was either unable or refused to join the Hong Kong Police Force. Ip's friends were able to help him get a job at a restaurant, where he would make new associates via the Hong Kong Restaurant Workers' Association. The association also had a club for martial artists, led by Leung Sheung, but Ip Man didn't want others to know that he was a martial artist.
Ip is known to have been addicted to opium, and after moving to Hong Kong, he was able to buy it on the black market. Opium was very expensive at the time, so Ip had to earn a steady income to smoke opium while supporting his family in Foshan.
Ip began teaching Wing Chun in the early 1950s, to escape poverty and to allegedly feed his opium addiction. His earliest students consisted mainly of "poor and uneducated" members of the Restaurant Workers' Association and "restless and angry young men", who were attracted to Ip Man's charismatic personality and the prospect of getting tougher in order to survive the dangerous environment of 1950s Hong Kong. Initially, Ip Man's teaching business was poor in Hong Kong because Ip's students typically stayed for only a couple of months. He moved his school twice, first, to Castle Peak Road in Sham Shui Po, and then to Lee Tat Street (利達街) in Yau Ma Tei. By then, some of his students had attained proficiency in Wing Chun and were able to start their own schools. They went on and sparred with other martial artists to compare their skills, and their victories helped to increase Ip's fame.
Around 1955, he had a mistress from Shanghai, who was referred to by his students simply as Shanghai Po (上海婆). Ip and this mistress had an extramarital son named Ip Siu-wah (葉少華). In Foshan, his wife Cheung died of cancer in 1960. Ip never formally introduced his mistress to his other sons, who eventually arrived in Hong Kong to reunite with him in 1962.
By the 1960s, Ip Man was becoming more famous in the Hong Kong community. This allowed him to attract wealthier and better-educated people to become his students. In 1967, Ip and some of his students established the Ving Tsun (Wing Chun) also pronounced as "Wing Chun" Athletic Association (詠春體育會). The main purpose of the Ving Tsun Athletic Association was to help Ip tackle his financial difficulties in Hong Kong, which was due to his regular use of opium. One of his former students, Duncan Leung, claimed that Ip used tuition money to support his opium addiction. Ip's mistress died of cancer in 1968, and their son later became a Wing Chun practitioner like his half-brothers.
Ip died on 2 December 1972, in his unit at 149 Tung Choi Street in Hong Kong from laryngeal cancer, only seven months before the death of Bruce Lee, his most famous student. He was buried at Wo Hop Shek, Hong Kong.
Ip's notable students include Chu Shong-tin, Lok Yiu, Wong Shun-leung, Bruce Lee, Moy Yat, Ho Kam Ming, Victor Kan, Lo Man-kam, William Cheung, and Leung Ting. Ip wrote a history of Wing Chun. Many artifacts of his life are on display in the Ip Man Museum on the Foshan Ancestral Temple grounds. Ip Man is portrayed in many films based on his life.
Wing Chun classes starting in January 2025 with Instructor Anthony Vos. This linage of Wing Chun training is from a student of Grandmaster Yip Man, Grandmaster Chu Shong Tin. Grandmaster Jim Fung from South Australia was a student of Chu Shong Tin during the 1960’s. Grandmaster Jim Fung was the instructor of Sifu Nigel Brenton who in Darwin was the most recent Instructor of Anthony Vos.
The linage of this Wing Chun is Chu Shong Tin.
Anthony Vos has over 40 year experience in Chinese Martial Arts including Wing Chun.
