Wing Chun Sil Nim Tao The Internal Path by Siukee Wan

Author:Siukee Wan [Wan, Siukee]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2020-09-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14.0

Sil Nim Tao/Sil Lin Tao

This Form represents a system of references that holds the key to unlocking the operational blueprint of the Wing Chun system

Today we have two different names for Wing Chun’s First Form: ‘Sil Lin Tao - Little Training Head’ (SLT) and ‘Sil Nim Tao - Little Mind Head’ (SNT). Again, due to the absence of verifiable evidence it is just speculation as to which one was originally used by Wing Chun’s Founders.

There are some, myself included, who believe that the second character ‘Nim’ (Mind or Thought) in the SNT is a reference to an ‘Internal’ focus.

The word ‘little’ is used in both versions and, again, I believe this was a deliberate attempt to divert attention away from the importance of this First Form. For reasons already stated, I doubt we are being presented with an open instructional manual when looking at the SNT. Instead, I believe this Form represents a system of references that hold the key to unlocking the operational blueprint of the Wing Chun system.

Given the political climate under which Wing Chun was developed, I am convinced the Founders would not have intentionally designed a form that could have been so easily interpreted.

Using distorted structures and movements would not only have disguised their true functions but would have rendered the system ineffective.

With so many different versions of the same Form, it is clear that most of the structures and movements have been subjected to different personal interpretations over the years.

However, if the day comes when the Wing Chun community can agree on the specifics of function of each individual movement, then there will be far less room for self-expression. This, for the most part, is down to the fact that there are only a limited number of ways the human body can perform any particular task.

However, over time, more efficient methods should naturally establish themselves, bringing us to the point where failure or success would depend upon the individual’s ability to perform rather than on the technical superiority of the system itself.

Presently, I do not believe we are anywhere near that stage as there is yet no consensus on the shapes of the individual structures, let alone begin the process of agreeing on how they should move. Till that day arrives, the Wing Chun forms will always be open to personal interpretation.

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