The Traditional Wing Chun system can be used in close quarter or distant fighting, and utilizes the following principles:

Guard the Center:

Guarding the center forces your opponent to take a longer route in order to attack. Your opponent must strike in an arc, giving you extra time and the advantage of opening the opponent's center.

Face the Point of Contact:

There is an imaginary line drawn down the center of the body. This is called the centerline. This line should face the point of the attacking limb, placing your body behind the defending arm. If you block a forceful circular punch with only the arm, it can collapse.

Economize Movement:

Try to defend and attack with minimum movement. In Wing Chun a defense is turned into an attack immediately, sometimes simultaneously.

Touch Reflexes:

Chi Sao (sticking hands) exercises teach sensitivity and contact reflexes. These exercises teach how to react when contact is made with the arms. You will also learn how to interrupt your movements enabling you to change direction instantly.

Watch the Leading Elbow:

Watching the opponents leading elbow will enable you to interpret the angle of attack. The elbow travels at least four times slower than the fist in a circular attack, and at least two times slower that the fist in a linear attack. The elbow is also far enough away to give you time to react. No matter what movement your opponent makes his/her elbow will move.

Use Linear Striking Action:

Striking along the centerline forces your opponent to take the longer outside route to strike, giving you the advantage of making first contact.

Avoid Fighting Force Against Force:

Never fight or resist a strong oncoming force, rather redirect it in a harmless direction. The result will be an advantageous position for a counterattack.

Train to Use Two Arms at the Same Time:

You will learn how to use both sides of your brain. The right side of your brain controls the left side of your body and vice versa. Once you learn how to use both arms independently you will be able to defend and counter attack almost simultaneously.