Wing Chun: Siu Lim Tao

• Move toward the center
• Muscle is not Important
• Relax after moving
• Be yourself

The "Little Idea" form, Siu Lim Tao, is the first form in Wing Chun, which is a unique type of Chinese kung fu being taught at martial art schools in Vancouver.

The form teaches that you are the key to practical self-defense. It uses the triangle stance having both feet and hands facing forward.

Siu Lim Tao teaches you to focus on the center since these are accessible points that an an aggressor cannot hide.

It teaches you to move using the joints instead of muscles so you do not tire too easily. The form helps students to cultivate the idea of maintaining forward intention.

Students learn to block and attack in one movement. Siu Lim Tao stresses three hand positions—tan sau, fook sau and bong sau—so you will not become confused during a confrontation.

You may realize after close study that aside from the bong sau, all hand forms used in wing chun are natural movements that you might do while talking to a friend or pretending to fight.

The form teaches you that it is reasonable to assume that you can cover or monitor an area of almost 180 degrees from left to right without moving your feet.

Siu Lim Tao is a single book with infinite pages. How far you go depends on your own personal depth of self-awareness and understanding.

Siu Lim Tao and Chi Sao alone are sufficient to defend oneself. Siu Lim Tao is the first gift of wing chun.