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By Astrid Bidanec While the martial art, Ving Tsun Kung Fu, can certainly be regarded as deadly and devastating, it is nevertheless, not based on pysical strength. Rather it requires to 'feel out' the opponent in order to gauge his energy and react to any attacks as well as imminent danger. This special skill is unique and vital to Ving Tsun.
It is taught through an exercise called Chi-Sao. Maximum efficiency is the ultimate goal when applying any energy to a technique for self-defense. This allows a much weaker and smaller person to successfully overt an attack from an otherwise superior opponent. Based on Ving Tsun Kung Fu's emphasis on technique over physical strength it may not come as a surprise that a women originally developed it. In fact, the legend claims the founder drew her inspiration from watching a snake and a crane fight each other. As a female Shaolin monk Ng Mui's attitude certainly leaned towards defense rather than attack, which further laid the foundation for the passive-agressive nature of this martial art. After teaching her wisdom to a young girl, Yim Ving Tsun, she named it in her honor. There is no doubt that the Ving Tsun Kung Fu strategy is highly effective, even if one refuses to believe the legend from more than 400 years ago. One of the most famous followers of this fighting style was the late action movie star, Bruce Lee. He even developed a new version called, Jeet Kun Do and taught it to anyone wanting to learn. In more recent years, Jackie Chan has also become fascinated with Ving Tsun (called Wing Chun in some places of the world) and turned the public's attention to it world wide. He combines Wing Chun with many other martial arts styles when starring in his action flicks, such as Rush Hour 1 and 2. The constant hand strikes and low kicks may seem challenging to an untrained observer. However, during practice one quickly realizes the effectivtiy of the almost effortless motions. Ving Tsun Kung Fu is by far the least physically exhaustive martial art, yet the most effective for any person, at any age, size, and any fitness level.
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