The basic idea of generating power in Wing Tsun kung-fu can be explained by using the equation e=mc2 believe it or not! This is not atomic theory per Einstein. The “E” stands for energy, which equals “M” for the MASS of your fist and your arm times C (acceleration) squared. This places more emphasis on acceleration than the mass or the mass of the fist and arm.

The punching or palm striking power in Wing Tsun is achieved by a sprint-like acceleration of your punch. To do this, you must let your arm float in front of your chest at the centerline. If your fist, arm, and shoulder are tense, you cannot get the acceleration to a speed that will generate power. You must isolate the action of the punch with just your arm. Do not extend your shoulder. This will give your attacker some energy to use against you. In Wing Tsun, we do not reach to give extra length to our arm. Instead, we let the legs to the work by stepping close enough to hit.

Practice of this punch is the secret. You must lock out the arm and let the power leave your fist at full extension. The first form, the little idea, leads the way in this concept. In the form, you are told to relax the outward movements and relax the shoulders.

Next is the chain punches, then the bag hitting with focus mitts, then the wall bags. Wall bag hitting is a more advanced practice and simulates hitting a solid object such as one’s attacker should you need to use it!

Once you have this practice under control, you can add your foreword stepping to the punch to add to the power. If your attacker is also stepping towards you, this becomes the "collision-effect," one way to use your attacker's force against him.

Si-fu Keith Sonnenberg