Siu Lim Tao:-

Siu Lim Tao is the first form of Wing Chun kung fu system. Siu Lim Tao means “The Little Idea for beginning”. This is Seed of Wing Chun kung fu. It is also called as foundation of Wing Chun system, foundation of correct stance, correct hand position and basic fundamental techniques.

Siu Lim Tao is taught in three different part, each part has its own significance.

First Part: First part mainly focus on developing good and stable posture or stance, relaxation, and developing “chi Energy”. The first part is perform as slowly as possible and effortlessly which mean while performing you should be slow, stable, awake, focused and without using muscle power. This part is also considered as preparatory steps for Chi Meditation. At the initial level it is practiced without acknowledging our breath and focus only on movements and hand position. Once we have stable posture and mastered the relaxation technique taught earlier then we can practice the same first part focusing on our breath. As we start practicing first  part concentrating on our breath, we experience different feeling related to energy at different level of practice. It is very common that few student feel warmth or cold depending on individual practice and aura. This is the base and more importance should be given to this part as compared to other. Most of the student feel swinging in air when practiced with closed eyes. Every student feels it differently depending how he practice on day to day basis.

The first part give more importance on Centerline punch, its position, placement, grabbing and how it should be executed. Apart from that this part put more emphasis on Tan Sau, Fuk Sau and Huen Sau as well and teaches the student to its correct placement and movement.

One can learn and master these movement under the guidance of qualified Wing Chun instructor and reap the benefits of it.

Second part: Second section explain the release of power which was created in first section. We start with both hands at a time while maintaining a balanced structure. More emphasis is taken on releasing power while keeping our body completely relaxed. This part teaches the student that how and when to release energy. This is very important step as without the knowledge of this part one cannot become an effective practitioner.

Third part: Third section teaches the basic technique of Wing Chun and all the techniques are performed by one hand at a time while keeping other hand relaxed.

This form is a single man fighting system and teaches the student as how to simultaneously defend and attack a single attacker. This form put more focus on centerline attack and defense without any footwork or movement of body.

Article By Shri Suresh Jaiswar,

Wing Chun Kung Fu Martial Art Academy, Mumbai.