WingTsun is based on 4 basic concepts:
- Centerline
- Simultaneous defence and (counter) attack
- Economy of motion
- Simplicity
WT is very deeply influenced by Daoist Philosophy. Just like water is seeking the shortest most direct way to the sea, it does so without effort. Water is formless and shapeless, it can be soft or very hard. If you put it into a cup it becomes the cup.
Like water, a Wing Tsun practitioner follows the most direct way, and effortlessly reaches their target, and like water they are soft but strong.
Centerline: is crucial to the overall understanding of Wing Tsun. Contrary to other martial arts the Centreline in Wing Tsun is relevant to the centre of the body as it connects two opposite points in the shortest most direct way, a straight line. The Centreline Concept is a direct approach in attack and defence only found in WT.
Simultaneously attack and defend: is the action of learning how to attack and defend with both sides of our body, or a single limb. all techniques simultaneously act in both defence and attack.
Economy of motion: striking in a straight line to attain the shortest distance and using the shortest distance to get speed and strike faster than an opponent.
Simplicity: movements are easy and natural to perform. Keeping it simple allows students to maximize speed and end conflicts with the least possible effort.