Defensive rotation in Wing Chun & Lung Ying

Both Wing Chun and Lung Ying apply a similar approach to dealing with incoming power. Rather than trying to meet it head on, they use rotation to deflect and counterattack.

Said to have emerged from common origins, both styles seek to ‘contact and control’ opponents, using training exercises such as Chi Sau to develop sensitivity in the arms. Both also recognise that meeting power with power plays to the advantage of the larger, stronger person. As a result, they each train rotation of the hips to change the lines of defence, but in slightly different ways.

Similarities and differences

Wing Chun 詠春 uses a back stance position that enables quick front kicks and leg blocks. It also allows agile footwork and good mobility. The pivot action from the Chum Kil 尋橋 form trains the reflex to rotate strong incoming forces to the outside, rather than getting trapped in a head-on struggle to win the centreline position. To do this, the whole stance shifts including the feet, legs and body. If the turn fails, the back stance is a weak position to get caught in.

Lung Ying 龙形 uses a deep, forward stance that provides a strong connection to the ground, leading to exceptional balance and attacking power. Rotation to deflect strong opponents is done via the waist, without moving the feet or losing stance power. This makes it a very efficient way to redirect and counterattack with instant power. Under extreme pressure, practitioners can adjust the back foot to increase the rotation if required. Training the mobility of this deep stance starts from the first form, Sup Luk Dun 十六动, and continues throughout the whole system.

Summary

Both 咏春 and 龙形 are close-range fighting styles that seek to quickly control their opponents, whether by breaking through their guard or redirecting their strength. They use rotation defensively to redirect strength and counterattack from an improved angle. Lung Ying’s deeper and more stable stance, combined with waist movement, takes these defensive and offensive techniques to the next level. See also our part 1 comparison of these styles, which looks at power generation.

参看

• Power generation in Wing Chun & Lung Ying
• Finding the Bridge (Chum Kil Explained)

Article: Written by R Zandbergs. Created from Barry Pang’s seminars.
Video: Filmed and edited by R Zandbergs
Main photo: Anne Pang demonstrating with Scott Peterson (2022)