Enter the Wing Chun Club
Andrew Chen
Issue date: 9/28/09 Section: Features
Media Credit: Photo courtesy of Andrew ChenMembers of the Wing Chun Club practice outside on campus.
There is an authentic martial arts club that anyone can join without a uniform or expensive equipment. That art is Wing Chun, the foundation of Bruce Lee's own kung fu.
Wing Chun originated in southern China from a Buddhist nun, Ng Mui, in the mid 1600s. According to legend, Ng Mui fled from her monastery after Manchurian soldiers burnt it down and killed off most of the monks. She noticed that the kung fu that the monks learned was no match to the physically stronger soldiers. Pondering for a solution, Ng Mui found the answer after she saw a crane being attacked by a fox. She took her past experience in martial arts and how the crane defended itself to create a new style of kung fu. Ng Mui found refuge in another temple near Szechwan Province and taught a woman named Wing Chun how to defend herself, Wing Chun she taught the style to her husband, and he gave the kung fu a name in her honor.
Yip Man, Bruce Lee's teacher, publicized it at Hong Kong and soon branched off around the world. Here at UIC, Wing Chun was brought to the Recreational Center by Eric Galicia. Galicia first learned Wing Chun from Hans Schenkel in Germany after studying Tae Kwan Do and Judo. He officially started the club in October 2008 and is not affiliated with a Wing Chun organization since he's not a master yet. What Galicia brings to the club is his experience from a local Wing Chun master that he trains with every Sunday. In addition, he sets a planned skill progression for each student. For an example, a first timer will be introduced to some simple self-defense techniques and a basic form of Latsao or "slapping hands" to get a feel for the main idea of Wing Chun.
Compared to the northern style of kung fu with low stances and a strong single strike, Wing Chun relies on a natural stance and multiple chain punches that defined the style of kung fu. The theory is focused on the imaginary center line in the middle of a person as the most vulnerable point to attack and the point where the vertical straight punch gets it's power. Also, the hands-on application of techniques with a partner further cement the idea by simultaneously attacking and defending the center line. Through these techniques they are promoting self-confidence, awareness of your surroundings, balance and reflex.
For those who wanted to learn kung fu or haven't found a sport, the Wing Chun Club is a great place to start. The club is found at the Recreational Center at studio B or outside of University Hall from 3:30 to 6 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The first week is free and $35 per semester.
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Wing Chun originated in southern China from a Buddhist nun, Ng Mui, in the mid 1600s. According to legend, Ng Mui fled from her monastery after Manchurian soldiers burnt it down and killed off most of the monks. She noticed that the kung fu that the monks learned was no match to the physically stronger soldiers. Pondering for a solution, Ng Mui found the answer after she saw a crane being attacked by a fox. She took her past experience in martial arts and how the crane defended itself to create a new style of kung fu. Ng Mui found refuge in another temple near Szechwan Province and taught a woman named Wing Chun how to defend herself, Wing Chun she taught the style to her husband, and he gave the kung fu a name in her honor.
Yip Man, Bruce Lee's teacher, publicized it at Hong Kong and soon branched off around the world. Here at UIC, Wing Chun was brought to the Recreational Center by Eric Galicia. Galicia first learned Wing Chun from Hans Schenkel in Germany after studying Tae Kwan Do and Judo. He officially started the club in October 2008 and is not affiliated with a Wing Chun organization since he's not a master yet. What Galicia brings to the club is his experience from a local Wing Chun master that he trains with every Sunday. In addition, he sets a planned skill progression for each student. For an example, a first timer will be introduced to some simple self-defense techniques and a basic form of Latsao or "slapping hands" to get a feel for the main idea of Wing Chun.
Compared to the northern style of kung fu with low stances and a strong single strike, Wing Chun relies on a natural stance and multiple chain punches that defined the style of kung fu. The theory is focused on the imaginary center line in the middle of a person as the most vulnerable point to attack and the point where the vertical straight punch gets it's power. Also, the hands-on application of techniques with a partner further cement the idea by simultaneously attacking and defending the center line. Through these techniques they are promoting self-confidence, awareness of your surroundings, balance and reflex.
For those who wanted to learn kung fu or haven't found a sport, the Wing Chun Club is a great place to start. The club is found at the Recreational Center at studio B or outside of University Hall from 3:30 to 6 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The first week is free and $35 per semester.
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