Siu Lim Tao

The 1st form or ‘The Little Idea’ is the foundation of the Ving Tsun system teaching the basic stance and hand positions, correct structure the development of energy and how to release it.

Here you will learn to use and control the energy of your opponent through basic self defence techniques, which are taught from this form as well as hand drills such as the Lap Sau Drill, Dan Chi Sau and Chi Sau.

It introduces the scientific theories such as human dynamics, physics, Gate and Centreline theory.

Siu Lim Tao is a form that is easy to learn but not quite so easy to play well. One must keep several things in mind in order to achieve a high caliber of Siu Lim Tao. Of course, the most important requirement is to know all the movements in the proper sequence. The movements are in themselves simple ones, but it is essential that they are performed frequently, in a relaxed manner. A relaxed mind and body is the key to perfecting them. One in fact must not play Siu Lim Tao unless one is in the mood for it; you do not force yourself to play it. Regimentation is not the way; frequent practice must arise from desire. Another vital consideration is the attitude with which Siu Nim Tao is approached, namely, trust and faith in the form. One needs to have complete confidence in the wisdom of the movements without any intention of modifying them.

Although it is difficult for a student to judge whether Siu Lim Tao is being played properly, there are basic checks for determining if the positioning is correct. For example, there is a direct relationship between a correct tan sau and bong sau; if one hand positioning is correct and if it is changed to the other, then both hand positions will be correct. Therefore, one technique serves as a check for another. Another important check is the distance of the elbow from the body. In certain techniques such as a tan sau and fuk sau, the elbow should be a fist and one half from the body, or the technique will be (chuk kiu) short and jammed.

However, the best judge of a well-played Siu Lim Tao is the student’s Sifu. After a year or more, it is the Sifu’s responsibility to correct and explain all the intricacies of Siu Nim Tao. But only with continuous practice can Siu Lim Tao be improved.

Perhaps this would be a good time to clear up a misconception about Siu Lim Tao. Because of Siu Lim Tao’s slow speed and the great attention to detail and relaxation, many people have been led to believe that a person of a gentle, quiet nature is best suited to play Siu Lim Tao, but Siu Lim Tao makes you very strong if you doing it correctly!

You will also learn  how to relax and stay focused through the small thoughts or ‘little ideas’ of Siu Lim Tao.