The 5 Steps of Practical Wing Chun

A note on Cantonese

I use the ‘Jyut Ping’ (粵拼) Cantonese writing system as I have found it to be the most accurate. For an excellent way to learn Cantonese pronunciation, see Fluent Forever. For a dictionary see CantoDict or use the Hanping Cantonese App for Android.

1 – 單邊馬/daan1 bin1 maa5/single side step [bz 1st section]

Going forwards example (reverse for backwards):

1. Step with your front foot as far as you can

2. Bring your back foot in to maintain the correct stance width

3. Pelvis and shoulders still facing forwards

2 – 正身馬/zing3 san1 maa5/straight body step [ck 3rd section]

Going forwards example (reverse for backwards):

1. Step with your front (3 steps total) or back foot (2 steps total)

2. Cross over your back foot to become your front foot

3. Bring your back foot in to maintain your correct stance width

4. Pelvis and shoulders still facing forwards

3 – 之字馬/zi1 zi6 maa5/ “zi” character step

Going to the side, forwards or backwards:

1. Angle your 1st centreline so that it is 45° (looking from above) from your opponent

2. Your back foot should be on the outside

3. Your front foot should be on the inside

4 – 偏身馬/pin1 san1 maa5/slanting body step [ck 2nd section]

Going forwards example (reverse for backwards):

1. From being square with your opponent, step with either foot close to your opponent so that your are now facing perpendicular to them

5 – 十字馬/sap6 zi6 maa5/ “10” character step

Going forwards or backwards:

1. Pivoting from the heel of your back foot, or the ball of your front foot, spin to the left or right to angle the direction your 1st centreline is facing by 90° (looking from above)

#Moves