Wing Chun Kicks

Wing Chun Tips ’n’ Tricks

- Shaun Rawcliffe

WING CHUN KICKS can be used in several scenarios: to bridge offensively in combination with fast footwork, to close distance and jam an opponent’s kicks at their source before the kick gains momentum and power, to attack an opponent’s stance, or they can be utilised defensively to intercept an opponent’s kick.

Kicks can be used in combination with hand techniques to increase the possibility of controlling and counterattacking an opponent. It is vital that kicks do not rely upon the hands as a counter-balance, and the hands do not hold onto an opponent for balance or be drawn back whilst kicking; it is equally imperative not to drop the hands, lean the body, or signal the intention to kick in any way.

Wing Chun kicks have earned the nickname “invisible” or “shadowless” kicks because the movement is not telegraphed, making them harder for the opponent to see, read, and therefore afford the opportunity to defend or counter the kick.

Mo Ying Gerk “Shadowless” Kick All Wing Chun kicks are applied below waist level for practicality and are linear, rather than rotational, and therefore are fast and easy to apply in any type of clothing, footwear, and in any surroundings. All the kicks use the centre of the heel to strike in a thrusting or stamping action, resulting in maximum impact on the opponent, with the minimum risk of injury to the foot. Because the kicks are short, sharp, low movements, they are hard to defend and pose much less of a risk than high kicks.