Some of the words you might need to know.
1. Kung Fu: “hard work” or “time and energy”
2. Ving Tsun: (pronounced “wing chun”) “beautiful springtime” or “everlasting springtime.” The system which began development in the Shaolin temple (Cantonese: Siu Lam) in the 17th century and was later refined by the Buddhist abbess, Ng Mui. It was designed to quickly create expert fighters regardless of their size or strength with the ability to defeat fighters from all other styles. It was intended to bring back the Han culture of the Ming dynasty (or poetically speaking, “springtime”) over the destruction (or “winter” of Manchu invaders from the north.
3. Siu Nim Tao: “Little Beginning Idea.” This is the first form, which is the foundation and physical vocabulary of the Ving Tsun system. It also helps us to understand the centerline, the horse, and hand coordination. Although we teach it first, it is highly advanced. Understanding its theories leads to superior kung fu.
4. Centerline: The line that divides the body vertically along its center from head to toe. It also extends forward along this vertical line like a laser. By controlling the center line we can protect our vital points and accurately attack those of our opponents.
5. Relaxation: Training relaxed is the way to develop greatest power. Ving Tsun conditioning helps us to relax and to act quickly and effectively in danger.
6. Siu Lam: Commonly called Shaolin. Monastery famous for creating and spreading kung fu. Most Asian martial arts are at least partially descended from Siu Lam systems.
7. Yee Chi Kim Yeang Ma: “Goat Grabbing Stance.” Front Horse Stance. This is an initially unstable yet versatile stance. It allows us to deliver maximum power from both hands by having our hips face our opponent. Through training we make it stable, thereby making all other stances even stronger.
8. Hau Ma: Back Horse Stance.
9. Jong Sao: “Ready Hands.” The basic fighting or on-guard position of the hands. The arms form a wedge in front of the body. When combined with a horse stance, it is called Jong Ma.
10. Yat Chi Chung Choi: “Sun character thrusting punch.” The basic Ving Tsun punch with a vertical fist. This punch develops tremendous power with Ving Tsun training. When applied quickly in flurries, they are called Chain punches.
11. Wu Sao: “Protecting hand.” A defensive hand held vertically on the centerline.
12. Dim Gerk: “Point kick.” A thrusting front kick usually directed below the waist.
13. Pak Sao: “Slap hands.” A slapping, deflecting block/parry. Also the first two-person exercise.
14. Pak Dar: Slap block and strike at the same time.
15. Lop Sao: Grabbing/Trapping hands. The second two-person exercise.
16. Tan Sao: “Dispersing hand.” Palm-up block. Tan, Bong, and Fuk are the names of the three main hand defenses. They are also called “the three terrors of Ving Tsun” because they diffuse enemy attacks while exposing them to immediate counterattacks.
17. Bong Sao: “Wing arm.” An interrupting block/parry against a high attack.
18. Fuk Sao: “Covering hand.” A block/parry against a low or uppercut attack.
19. Tan Dar: Tan sao and strike with the other arm at the same time. This is drilled in Lop Sao.
20. Lop Dar: Grab/Trap hands and strike at the same time. This is drilled in Lop Sao.
21. Gum Gai Duk Lap: “Golden rooster standing on one leg.” The one-legged stance for improving balance. Also, an advanced way to practice Siu Nim Tao.
22. Don Chi Sao: Single arm sticking hands. The fourth two-person exercise.
23. Jut Sao: Jerking hand block. When combined with a strike, it becomes jut dar.
24. Dim Jeang: “Point strike.” Palm strike.
25. Huen Sao: “Circling hand.”
26. Wong Jeang: Side palm strike.
27. Sifu: Your kung fu teacher.
28. Si Hing: Your elder kung fu brother.
29. Si Dai: Your younger kung fu brother.
30. Si Gung: The sifu of your sifu.
From the Student Handbook.