According to legend, the style was developed several hundred years ago, by a nun named Ng Mui. Ng Mui modified and simplified the Kung Fu she knew after witnessing a fight between a snake and crane. She then met a girl named Wing Chun and taught her the Kung Fu as a form of self-defense against a bully who wanted to make her his wife. The style was named in her honor and she divided her new system into:
1. Sil Nim Tao (Little Beginner’s Idea – 1st Form)
2. Chum Kiu (Seeking the Bridge – 2nd Form)
3. Bil Jee (Thrusting Fingers – 3rd Form)
4. Muk Yan Jong (Wooden Dummy)
5. Luk Dim Boon Gwan (6 1/2 Point Pole)
6. Bot Jom Dao (Eight Way Chopping Knives)
In addition to the above-mentioned forms and sequences, there are supplemental exercises intended to facilitate the practitioner’s application and understanding of Wing Chun concepts. These two person exercises are learned in parallel to the forms in this order:
1. Pak Sao (Blocking Technique)
2. Pak Dar (Block-Strike Technique)
3. Lap Sao (Grabbing Hand Technique)
4. Dan Chi Sao (One-hand Chi Sao)
5. Chi Sao (Sticking Hands Exercise)
6. Chi Gerk (Sticking Leg Exercise)