Isn't Wing Chun just for women and small men?

Wing Chun's exact origin is uncertain, however a popular story relates how it was designed by a Chinese nun in order that a young girl (Yim Wing Chun) might be able to defend herself. This leads some to think that Wing Chun is not suitable for a strong man.

If we consider some of the key priciples of the style, then we can see that it can seem to favour the physically weaker person. Not using force against force, using the soft to defeat the hard and favouring economical techniques rather than obviously powerful ones. These are all strategies that are useful against a stronger opponent. And so the stereotype is born.

You may note however, that the only restriction mentioned with regards to the use of strength is that it should not be used directly against an opponent's force. That is not to say that it can't be used against an opponent.

Lao Tzu said, "To bend like a reed in the wind, that is real strength"

By neutralising rather than resisting an opponent's force, strength can then be applied more efficiently. The practice of this concept can be difficult for a beginner to appreciate. Consequently those who have only seen wing chun, or have only tried it for a short time, may fall prey to the common misconception that wing chun is only for the small and the weak.

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