The “Little Idea Form – Siu Lim Tao”
This article talks about the main ideas contained in the first form of Wing Chun. This form is called the “Little Idea form” or “Siu Lim Tao or “Siu Nim Tao” in Cantonese.
PART 1 – THE FOUNDATION
1. STANCE
Triangle shape like a pyramid. Bend the knees. Be able to stand in a lowered stance for 20 minutes.
2. CENTER
Cross hands down and up to define the center line. These movements also have a fighting use.
3. PUNCH
Straight mid-level punch – hit the punching bag everyday! Develop the inch punch.
4. ELBOW
Elbow in for protection and for economy of movement. Don’t have flying elbows!
PART 2 – POWER DEVELOPMENT
5. POWER
Relaxed “Wet Noode” power in all techniques. Stiff actions are weak and slow. There are 13 actions here.
PART 3 – 4 QUADRANT DEFENSE
6. UPPER DEFENSE
Pak sau and Tan sau defend the upper gates.
7. MIDDLE DEFENSE
Tan sau, Huen sau and lower hit to ribs.
8. CHANGE
Change between Tan sau and Bong sau according to the direction of the force. When stuck change. If the hands are stuck then move the body.
9. LOWER DEFENSE
Gan sau defends the lower gates. Chinese martial artists often hit low.
10. CONTINUOUS ATTACK