Pole and Knives (棍,刀)

In the Leung Sheung line, the weapons and empty hand sets mutually aid each other through a consistent set of well conceived principles and training methodologies.

Upon adoption into Wing Chun, the pole set was distilled and refined to blend with the core hand sets in a harmonious manner. Pole training introduces the lower, wider stance and sideways advancing footwork which is different from Wing Chun's normal structure and forward facing strategy. The saying "側身以膊為子午" (use shoulder as center line when side facing) becomes evident during pole exercises. The preparatory exercise of the six and a half point pole resembles Hung Gar's chain arrow punch combination in snapshot view. The execution sequence and mechanics of movement are very different, however; Wing Chun exclusively emphasizes elbow-knee propulsion rather than Hung Gar's shoulder-waist-hip rotation. Due to the length of the pole, good horse-elbow-grip stability is the most important aspect for one to achieve (ideally) perfect control of the pole tip.

The Wing Chun eight chopping knife set does not train "blade flipping" "反手刀" like some other Southern style butterfly knife styles. Flipping of the wrists during execution of the knife movements is discouraged. Wrist strength should be developed through Biu Jee and pole training before working with the knives, and a set of preparatory exercises must be practiced before learning the techniques. Many knife techniques have a one-to-one relationship with empty hand movements. In general, the stance is a little wider and footwork practiced a bit quicker than in the other sets of Wing Chun. This correlates to the Kung Fu saying "雙刀看走" (double-knives-watch-running). In translation, this means that good performance with the double knives depends on lively footwork; thus the knives set places increased emphasis on footwork agility and the ability to close the gap. Elbow-knee and finger-palm unity must all come into play within the knife set.