Wing Chun Origin & Wing Chun History（From 1644-2018）

wing chun origin

To understand the Wing Chun origin, let me first share with you the historical background.

During the reign of Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty:

• March 1644: The rebel leader Li Zicheng broke through Beijing, leading to the tragic suicide of Emperor Chongzhen.
• April 1644: Wu Sangui, the Ming Dynasty’s military commander stationed at Shanhai Pass, initially surrendered to Li Zicheng. However, after Li seized Wu’s family wealth and took his wife, Wu was enraged.
• May 1644: When Li Zicheng led 100,000 troops to attack Shanhai Pass, Wu Sangui turned to the Manchu-led Qing forces for aid. Prince Dorgon of the Qing dynasty led the Eight Banners army into battle. Li was defeated and retreated to Beijing, while the Qing army marched in under the pretext of avenging the Ming Emperor. In reality, this marked the beginning of Qing plans to rule China. Li Zicheng later disappeared.
• 1645: The Qing Dynasty established its capital in Beijing, officially declaring the end of the Ming Dynasty and beginning its rule over China.

However, many loyalists to the fallen Ming Dynasty did not give up. Under the banner of “Oppose the Qing, Restore the Ming,” they continued resistance across southern China for decades. One of the most famous underground movements was the Hung Mun (later known as the Triads and Heaven and Earth Society), which still exists today in some form.

These fighters utilized early martial techniques to resist Qing rule. Among them was a deadly but undeveloped fighting system that would later evolve into Wing Chun. At that time, Wing Chun traditional techniques were only in their infancy, with lethal moves documented in the ancient Wing Chun Manuscript. As the martial art evolved, it gradually developed into a complete and structured system.

This marks the true beginning of the story of Wing Chun. Rooted in rebellion, shaped in secrecy, and refined through generations of combat and discipline, this is the deep Wing Chun origin that many modern practitioners strive to understand and preserve.

wing chun history

During the mid-Qing Dynasty, in an effort to solidify its rule over China, the imperial government launched a nationwide crackdown on anti-Qing organizations, including the Hung Mun (Hongmen). Many members of the Hung Mun were either exiled, went into hiding, or fled to other countries. A small group, determined to preserve the techniques of Wing Chun, took refuge in the Southern Shaolin Temple.

However, the temple was later attacked and burned down by Qing forces. Most monks perished in the fire, and only a few highly skilled warriors managed to escape. This marked a hidden and turbulent chapter in Wing Chun history, during which the art was passed down secretly and eventually entrusted to the legendary nun, Ng Mui.

From 1660 to 1825, historical documentation of Wing Chun history nearly vanished, making this era one of the most mysterious periods in the development of the martial art.

In 1860, the modern era of Wing Chun began when Leung Jan, a famous herbal doctor in Foshan, secretly began teaching the art alongside his medical practice. His contributions played a pivotal role in reviving Wing Chun history in the public eye.

• 1875–1890: Leung Jan taught Wing Chun to Chan Wah Shun
• 1895–1913: Chan Wah Shun passed the art to Ng Chung So
• 1900–1907: Chan Wah Shun began teaching Wing Chun to a 7-year-old Ip Man (Yip Man); after Chan’s death, Ng Chung So continued his instruction
• 1907–1913: Ng Chung So systematically trained Ip Man in Wing Chun

Modern Development in Wing Chun History:

1949–1972: Ip Man relocated to Hong Kong and began publicly teaching Wing Chun for the first time. His students included Bruce Lee, Wong Shun Leung, Wu Chun, and Cheung Cheuk Hing. This era marked the global expansion of Wing Chun and became one of the most influential milestones in Wing Chun history.

The Complete Wing Chun Lineage After Ip Man

1. Ip Man’s Direct Disciples (Hong Kong Era, 1950s–1972)

Core First-Generation Students

Other Notable Disciples

• William Cheung: Developed “Traditional Wing Chun” with combat adaptations.
• Hawkins Cheung: Brought Wing Chun to the U.S. military.
• Duncan Leung: Spread Wing Chun in the Philippines.

2. Second-Generation Branches (1970s–1990s)

A. Wong Shun Leung Lineage

B. Leung Ting (IWTA) Lineage

• Europe: 500+ schools in Germany/UK, adapted for police arrest techniques.
• Technical: Divided “Biu Jee” into 12 combat modules.

C. Ip Chun/Ip Ching Lineage

• Foshan Wing Chun Assoc.: Maintains Ip Man’s late-era teachings.
• Europe: “Health Wing Chun” for stress relief.

3. Third-Generation & Global Spread (2000s–Present)

A. Bruce Lee’s Legacy

• Jeet Kune Do: Dan Inosanto blended Wing Chun with Kali/Escrima.
• MMA Influence: Fighters like Conor McGregor use Centerline Theory.

B. Modern Sports Wing Chun

• Competitions:
  • German Wing Chun League (IWTA)
  • Hong Kong Chi Sau Championships
• Tech Integration:
  • Pressure-sensitive wooden dummies (e.g., Foshan “Smart Dummy”).
  • VR training systems (Singapore).

C. Controversies

• “Conceptual Wing Chun” (e.g., Eric Oram’s system) criticized for over-adaptation.
• Debates: Differences between Ip Man’s Foshan vs. Hong Kong teachings.

Summary

• Preservation: Ip Chun/Leung Ting maintain traditional forms.
• Innovation: Wong Shun Leung/Bruce Lee branches fuel modern combat.
• Global Reach: 120+ countries, millions of practitioners.