Unusual Wing Chun Style: Red Boat Opera
Reading time: 4 minutes
The old-style Wing Chun, Ban Chung
The unusual style of Wing Chun known as Ban Chung is not widely known, even amongst martial arts aficionados and Wing Chun practitioners.
This video features an interview with Master Cho Weng Wan, who is based in Singapore.
A brief overview of the interview can be found below; however, it is recommended that viewers watch the video to experience the demonstrations of the techniques associated with this ancient Wing Chun form.
If you would prefer to go straight to the part where it is shown:
04.55 - An exploration of the punch, two-way attack, and defense maneuvers, snake, and crane movements in Wing Chun
10.30 - The Siu Lim Tao form, the only one that includes Siu Nim Tao, Chum Kiu, and Biu Jee
13.40 - An introduction to Chi Sao. This is distinct from Ip Man's lineages' Chi Sao.
Unlike Ip Man's Wing Chun, Ban Chung has its own Unique style
One can clearly observe that Ban Chung is distinctive from the Wing Chun material which we had been familiar with in Hong Kong. As Cho elucidates, this style is simply an alternate version that employs different methods to achieve the same outcome. It is evident that there can be vast disparities or minor variations when contrasting the various Wing Chun techniques. Now let's examine what sets Ban Chung apart from the others.
The Form
To begin with, Master Cho outlines the single form they use, which comprises three parts: Siu Nim Tao, Cham Kiu, and Biu Jee. This particular form is referred to as "Siu Lim Tao" and according to Cho, Nim stands for a small concept and Lim stands for exercise.
Chi Sao
This martial arts technique involves two people locking their forearms and attempting to feel each other's movements while trying to maintain their positional advantage. It is a type of sensitivity training and is used to develop reflexes and defensive techniques. The goal of Chi Sao is to allow the practitioner to feel their partner's movements and react accordingly.
The Chi Sao in this video can be seen as playful and slippery.
When studying Wing Chun, one can gain a better understanding of the Chi Sao, which can range from soft and sensitive, as seen in Leung Ting's lineage, to strong and structural, like that in Wong Shun Leung's lineage.
Generally, the ideas appear to be akin to the styles that developed in Hong Kong. The training methods and techniques are astonishing and should be further elucidated.
To sum up
It is quite astonishing to learn that Wing Chun is connected to the Red Boat Opera. Many believe this to be a fable or a conspiracy. This group, as the legend goes, would disguise themselves as performers and voyage around China by boat. It is said they were revolutionaries against the Qing dynasty.
Most people think it is just a tall tale, however, one can never be sure where myths end and history begins.
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Thanks for taking the time to read. Remain awesome!
Wish you a great Wing Chun experience.
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