Names of the thechnique

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

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