Siu Lim Tao

Siu Lim Tao The first form that a student will be introduced to in Wing Chun
is Siu Lim Tao, or "The Little Idea". Siu Lim Tao is the Foundation of the
entire art of Wing Chun, as it contains all the fighting principles of the
art within the form. Beyond teaching correct technique, it teaches the
practitioner to relax properly, maintain stable balance, the proper use of
the eyes in the fighting environment, and a host of other principles. By
diligently practicing Siu Lim Tao, the student will quickly begin to develop
Wing Chun's characteristic explosive, whip-like power in his movements, and
will begin to learn how to take a creative approach to fighting. This is the
secret contained within Siu Lim Tao - the freedom from practicing rote
patterns of empty technique. By learning to apply correct fighting principles
the practitioner's techniques will be able to flow infinitely in unison with
the enemy's actions. Instead of taking the impossible, analytical approach of
adhering to pre-determined technique patterns, the Siu Lim Tao trained Wing
Chun fighter is able to use principles to control the fighting environment
and create a winning situation. He can adapt to any fight without hesitation,
and can apply his movements without conscious thought in perfect unison with
the enemy. Additionally, while training this form with correct breathing, the
more advanced exponent is also practicing meditation and strengthening the
Gong Lik (internal power). The student in his Beginning phase of Wing Chun
training must take special care that Siu Lim Tao is practiced properly, and
that he understands the principles. For, without the Foundation that Siu Lim
Tao provides, the student will be unable to apply his Wing Chun, and will be
unable to advance.