The Wing Chun Punch

Wing Chun values speed over power. A weak, fast punch that is likely to connect is better than a strong, slow punch with a higher chance of being dodged or deflected.

Kicks are generally discouraged in Wing Chun because they compromise body structure and balance. All kicks are kept below the waist for speed and to avoid being grabbed by an opponent's faster hands.

Punches are thrown with the elbow down and in front of the body. The fist is held vertical and the contact points are the bottom three knuckles. In some lineages of Wing Chun, the fist is swivelled on point of impact so that the bottom three knuckles are thrust forward adding power to the punch while it is at maximum extension.

Wing Chun favours the vertical punch for the following reasons:

• Speed. Because the fist is not loaded by first pulling the elbow behind the body, the vertical punch is faster than a conventional roundhouse punch. This speed is gained at the expense of loading power. The waist may or may not be twisted to add power to the punch, but this is not an option when chain punching as the twisting would be too slow. Nevertheless, the power developed without loading the fist can be significant, as demonstrated by Bruce Lee's "one inch punch".
• Protection. Keeping the elbow low and forward protects the front midsection of the body whereas pulling the elbow back would expose it. The unconventional elbow position makes it more difficult for an opponent to execute an elbow lock/break. Again, protection is gained at the expense of loading power.
• Alignment & Structure. The vertical punch allows a practitioner to absorb the rebound of the punch by directing it through the elbows and into the stance. In contrast, the rebound of the horizontal punch creates torque in the puncher's body. Like many Chinese martial arts, Wing Chun favours the usage of stances; the vertical punch is thus more suitable. As the vertical punch is believed to be structurally safer, practitioners feel no need to tape their wrists.

The last item above can be easily tested. Hold your fist vertically, in front of you, your elbow pointing down, one foot behind the other. Ask a friend to push into your fist while you attempt to resist. You will feel the push pressuring your legs and stance. Repeat with a horizontal fist, elbow at shoulder height and to the side. You will feel the incoming push twisting you sideways.

The vertical punch is the basis for Wing Chun chain punching or "straight blast" - a fast flurry of alternating left and right vertical punches. Wing Chun students are often taught that when in doubt as to which technique to use, they should opt for the chain punch.