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Picture (left) Wing Chun’s famous Wooden Dummy set, which contains numerous practical fighting applications. Legend has it that there was a Wooden Dummy hall at the Shaolin Temple which monks had to pass through to complete their training. The Wing Chun dummy set contains practically all of Wing Chun’s hand and foot techniques and fighting principles and represents the culmination of the empty hand sets. The Mok Yan Jong is the only hand set that utilizes an external apparatus. The construction and configuration of the arms and legs of the Wooden Dummy are truly ingenious. Consistent practice develops strength in the arms, wrist, legs, and develops sticking and striking energy and other Wing Chun attributes.

The Leung Jan lineage dummy set, as passed on by Grand Master Ip Man, consists of seven distinct sections. While learning the dummy set, students progress through four stages of training - it is vital that students progress through these steps in order, otherwise their technique will become inefficient and sloppy.

Stage One - When beginning the dummy set students are instructed to practice with medium speed and power and to focus on the precision of each techniques. It is important to refrain from hitting the dummy hard at this stage. Rather, the student must take time to build up forearm strength and correct form for techniques. Too often beginning students think that the more noise they make, the better their technique, and pound away on the dummy. Unless they correct this error, they will never grasp the later stages of training.

Click to Play Wooden
Dummy Applications Video

Stage Two - The student slowly begins to apply forward energy toward the dummy while performing the set. As in Chi Sau, the body must remain relaxed. But the arms tightly engage with the dummy from time to time. This process is called dynamic training.
Note: The student should not attempt the next stage until precise movements and footwork are well developed through diligent practice of stage one and two.

Stage Three - At this level, students apply full speed and power toward the dummy. It is critical that students pay continual attention to their form and structure in order to make sure they do not compromise precision and proper technique for added speed.

Stage Four - In this last stage of training, students should be able to train with the dummy as a live opponent. Also, students no longer need to follow the exact sequence of the dummy set. The are ready to attack and defend continuously and spontaneously, using all of the techniques of the Wing Chun system.

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