All
techniques in SCWC as well as in all other kung fu styles have their old
Chinese names . These original names represent much more than just that - a
name . These names are actually descriptions or more precise , definitions of
certain technique . All names , written in Chinese , contain two or more
Chinese characters . Chinese characters are logograms representing a word or
phrase , different characters and their different combinations will have very
specific meaning . To know the true meaning of certain combination of
characters is not easy even for Chinese people , especially when we talk about
the meaning of kung fu technique’s names . There are several reasons for this .
Language is changing over time and same characters and their combination can have
different meaning in different time periods . Also , different trades and
occupations sometimes used written characters in unusual way to hide their true
meaning . To fully understand the meaning of the technique and its name we have
to have the knowledge of language
from the time of the style’s creation
and to have an understanding of the style its self , as well as if there were
some specific code used in naming the technique or not. Name of the technique
is very important , it is used to fully describe the technique -the motion ,
how to use it, when ,where and biomechanical characteristics . Correct naming will describe what the
technique is, how it moves and works.
In Snake
Crane Wing Chun we have clear names of each and every motion , stance , position…These
names didn’t change from the time of the style’s creation and they were passed
down in their original form and they clearly and precisely give a description
and definition of every movement ,action, position… Basically there are two
types of motion in SCWC , “snake hands” which are soft and relaxed and “crane
hands” which are hard and powerful . There is a clear distinction between these
two types of motion and they cannot be mixed , of “snake” action is performed
in “crane” manner , such a technique will be inefficient and it can collapse
.
For example
“
Tan
character 攤 has the meaning of “laying
down horizontally” ,
and at the same time also has a meaning “relaxing\relaxed. Tan Sau 攤手 in SCWC classification is “snake hand” movement ,it looks like a snake
lying on an object. Meaning Tan sau excludes
putting any power to the movement \position to make it stiff and to oppose incoming force
with the opposite force
Ton
Kiu 吞橋 is totally different from Tan Sau. It is a “crane hand” in SCWC classification . Ton 吞 has the meaning “ swallowing by power”. It is used to “swallow” , to oppose , destroy , block , trap … the opponent bridge by force
As we can
see , names are important and give us a clear picture of what the technique is
and how to use it . Unfortunately , there are many misinterpretations today for
various reasons . Many Chinese teachers mix up “snake “ and “crane “ movements
and in many styles this original classification is lost . Even more trouble we
have when names are translated from Chinese to other languages . There are many
differences in mode of expression, grammar, syntax, meaning system
influenced by cultural differences , way of thinking and comprehending things
ect. A lot if not most of the original meaning is lost by simple translation
from Chinese to other , especially indo-european languages . Without a teacher
who fully understands the system and have good comprehension of both languages
(Chinese and any other given language on wich translation is made ) full
transmission of the system is im.
possible
.
