How is the Buddhist teaching incorporated into Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun?
Allen Kong, 9th Generation HFY Disciple (San Francisco)
All wing chun lineages came from the same ancestor. The art of wing chun was practiced consistently up to the red boat time period. At that red boat time period, the art of wing chun branched out through many different families, which resulted in different interpretations of the art. As generations passed since that period, the history of the different wing chun lineages changed as well.
As one explores the different branches of modern-day wing chun, their histories may or may not be similar. Many people like to compare lineages and offer suggestions on how their history should be due to the similarities of the systems. Yes, as comparisons go, all wing chun lineages have tan/bong/fook sau, but that's where the similarities end and the differences begin. As one can see/hear/touch, no two tan sao from the same lineage can be explained the same way. Why? Because no two students in the same kwoon studying under the same Sifu can interpret the art exactly the same.
Each wing chun lineage identifies strongly with their own family's history. Hung Fa Yi wing chun lineage identifies with its strong ties with the Shaolin temple. Its Chan philosophy and Buddhism teaching, along with the art of Wing Chun, provides a strong foundation and ties to the teachings and learnings of the monks in the temple.
Two of Hung Fa Yi wing chun lineage's oral teachings based on Buddhism ties are the "Gao Ji Fut Fone" and the "Sup Ji Sim Fone." These two teachings are introduced to the beginner in the Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun lineage's curriculum. They are taught alongside the wing chun foundation (SNT, footwork, etc.), which gives the practitioner the proper explanations and growth in the lineage.
Gao Ji Fut Fone is a breathing exercise that is used during training. The focus teaches the practitioner the proper breathing channels, much like hei gung training. With concentration on how to breath in and breath out, one can expel all the bad energies that lie within one's body. Understanding the Gao Ji Fut Fone teachings will enhance the student's growth and progression when the Sup Ji Sim Fone is introduced.
Sup Ji Sim Fone teaches the student to focus their mind on using the proper energy at the right moment. It gives the student proper awareness of when to turn the energy on and when to turn the energy off. Along with the Gao Ji Fut Fone's breath exercises, the practitioner will be introduced to a new conception of time/space/energy at a very early stage of their training.
In conclusion, the Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun lineage has a strong relationship to the Shaolin Temple and the Chan and Buddhist teachings. We strongly identify with our history and continue to carry on and preserve the traditions of our ancestors.
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