"Yee Chi Kim Yeung Ma" and The Powers of Ving Chun Kuen

The basic stance is the first thing we learn but it is often neglected. Many students tend to overlooked their posture and stance during training session or during combat. "Yee Chi Kim Yeung Ma" in cantonese, (Character Two Adduction Stance), also known as the pigeon-toed horse stance, is one of Ving Chun most important source of power. An obvious benefit of training the stance is strengthening the legs, knees, ankle joints, and also to improved kicking ability. Being able to understand this posture, it also helps a Ving Chun practitioner to develop their 'Chi Gong' and balance.

The 'Chi Gong' development in Yee Chi Kim Yeung Ma expresses itself in several ways. Principle among these expressions is the cultivation of an effortless deep-rooted or embedded (both feet on the ground) when facing the incoming force of an aggressor or opponent. To the aggressor, the Ving Chun practitioner is seemingly able to absorb his attack as if immoveble. The flip side of deep-rooted or immovable energy, is explosive energy or also known as "Lik" in cantonese. As training progresses, the Ving Chun practitioner is able to convey increasingly effective power through seemingly small gestures, both to strike or shock the aggressor. The one-inch punch and explosive jerking of the wrist and arm to disrupt the balance are examples of "Lik" (Power).

Complementary to this stance and posture of Ving Chun is the sensitivity movements (with tactical awareness) to transition from one posture to another in response to any threat against his/her center of gravity or the opportunity to attack the center of gravity of the aggressor. Sensitivity must come with pure speed and reacts instantly when an aggressor attempts to attack you. In fact, the faster or harder he tries to attack, the quicker and more explosively he is hit himself. Again, a Ving Chun practioner should not fight with brute force but should use your opponent force to counter-attack, the touch is as explosive.

Training the stance for long periods will help considerably when moving onto turning stance such as Juen Ma, Biu Ma or Huen Ma, helping to make the movements more precise and decisive. The stance also encourages body unity (co-ordination between the upper and lower half) which is important defensively and offensively.

Fundamental to the realization of this level of skill is the diligent training of the "Yee Chi Kim Yeung Ma" and its application in footwork. Without the stance, there is no Ving Chun. While the hands may perform Ving Chun movements, there really is no Ving Chun if without proper and understanding of the stance.

Remember, 'A house is only strong as the foundations it's built upon'. - Sifu Oliver Lee