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"Siu Nim Tao" are the Chinese words from the Cantonese dialect for the first form in the Ving Tsun Kung Fu and it is quite an appropriate name. Taken word for word, Siu mean small, young or embryonic; Nim means idea, thought or reason; and Tao means the head or the start. Joined together, Siu Nim Tao translates as "The Little Beginning Idea." Siu Nim Tao is the seed that begins the growth of certain attributes necessary in Ving Tsun. One important development is the training of "Inside Power". This energy is not a mystical internal strength, as has been exaggerated in many martial art tales. It is quite simply a label for the ability to meet an opponent's force with just the right amount of energy to stop it. Since economy of movement and energy are mainstays of Ving Tsun Kung Fu, it is important that each action be smooth and effective. The body must respond without hesitation and be able to protect itself with a minimal amount of expression. It is for this reason that the "Centerline" is such a vital factor to Siu Nim Tao. |
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To the left is a short movie clip of Si Hing Rick Mitchell performing the second section of the Siu Nim Tao form. The second section of Siu Nim Tao is performed more quickly, and with more energy, than the first section. To view the movie, you must have Apple's QuickTime software installed on your computer. You can download QuickTime (for Windows or Mac) by clicking the "Get QuickTime" button below. |
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The centerline is really two imaginary lines; one running vertically down the center of the body and the other straight out in front of the body. This serves as a guideline for the hands when playing the form. Siu Nim Tao trains your hands by having them continually run forward and backward inside the centerline; in order to enable them to occupy it instinctively whenever necessary to protect the centerline against attack. The core of one's technique is the centerline. Its control minimizes movements while preventing penetration. Besides teaching the hands to move in economical lines, Siu Nim Tao also trains them to use energy from different angles and distances. For this reason the ability to produce powerful force from a very short distance has long been a trademark of Ving Tsun Kung Fu. |
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