Before we start, it is good to understand the origins and development of Jeet Kune Do. While there may be many explanations, the best way to explain it is to say that JKD is formless, meaning no katas or forms are performed; they are classical martial arts. I try to follow every aspect of the teachings of JKD, but in order to follow someone in their footsteps; we must go back to their origins. We must understand what he trained in and what he studied. In addition, we must understand how he became so skillful. As we all know, Bruce Lee trained in Wing Chun Gung Fu, from which his foundation originated. We also know that he knew Siu Leem Tau (the little idea), and the Wooden Dummy. I am sure he learned many forms before realizing that not all forms work in real life situations. This is when he changed to Jeet Kune Do, in which many train diligently, following his teachings as he intended. By performing this form, you are not a bad JKD practitioner, since even the founder of the system has done it. After many years of practice and research, I came to realize that the way to build a very strong student is by teaching them proper structure as well as a good, solid foundation. Otherwise, all the techniques will be sloppy, and there will be no power generated from your movements. After developing the proper structure by performing Siu Leem Tau for a long time, and feeling confident with your technique, you can start to pull away from this form, because it is then that you will have developed the internal and external powers.
Wing Chun Gung Fu First Form ~
Siu Leem Tau (The Little Idea)
The Siu Leem Tau form consists of 108 motions. Like other forms in Wing Chun Gung Fu, the Wooden Dummy, Chum-Q, and Biu-Jee, all consist of exactly 108 motions. The number 108 represents 108 little ideas. Because it has significance in the Chinese lunar/stars, mathematics, superstitions, and religion, the Chinese people also prefer it. The 108 motions are divided into three parts. The first part must be performed very slowly to build internal energy or Hay Gong. By performing the first part very slowly, the proper timing, and structure are developed. The combination of the two will develop power. This will also promote a relaxed atmosphere, having the practitioner’s mind clear, and feeling a source of power flowing through the body. The practitioner must keep the lower body sunk throughout this form, remaining in a calm state for the entirety. The second and third parts will develop external powers by executing the techniques with speed, power, and snap. You must maintain proper position in relation to the centerline. The practitioner must remain in the Yee Jee keem Yin Ma, the mother stance of Wing Chun, or the goat-restraining stance. This is not a fighting stance, but a foundation stance. It builds a very good base and foundation from standing still in the same position for a long time. The completion of this depends entirely on the practitioner; it can last as long as one hour or as little as one minute. By combining internal and external powers, the completion of this form will generate speed, as well as growing the ability for blocking, striking, and whipping from a short distance. This form also consists of Three Family blocks, the Bong Family, the Tun Family, and the Fook Family. They’re also known as the three poisons of Wing Chun Gung Fu. The Bong family blocks use the outer edge of the arm, the Tun family blocks use the outside of the hand, and the Fook family blocks use the inside of the hand. The economy of this form is very important. It teaches the student to learn almost every hand block and strike, and to maintain the centerline, which is crucial in JKD. It also teaches
The Immovable Elbow Moving Line. In the end, this teaches the student every aspect of correct structure and gives a good, solid foundation. |
