Wing Chun Principle - The Centreline

The pivot is made easier to understand by application of central axis theory. This concept is, on its simplest level, an imaginary line or plane that extends outward from your centre – normally towards your enemy. It could be described as the direction of your attention or intent. Significantly, it is also the shortest path between your body and that of your enemy. This line is used to help detect, or interpret the direction of incoming forces in order to feel which action is appropriate.

When the central axis line is occupied correctly, the opponent is forced to attack down a longer path than that taken by your own attack. In this situation the only other alternative for an opponent is to attempt to force the central axis line using strength. If force is used to counter an attack it can quickly be capitalised upon. From a strong position, an attack can be launched which cannot be stopped without the use of strength. If we make use of the Wing Chun concepts and attack with simple and direct strikes, we are more likely to be successful. Opponents who become frustrated over-commit their attacks, and will feed us with the information we require to defeat them. Of course in fighting, other elements, such as physical and mental conditioning and courage, will all come into play.

Clearly it is desirable to occupy the central axis line effectively. It is also essential to attack on centre; this is not always the same as the central axis line and not just because vulnerable points lie down the centre of the body.

When we strike our opponent we want the blow to have maximum effect upon them. We want all the force generated in our attack to go into them. If we want the opponent to absorb all the weight of the strike, they must not be allowed to pivot in order to return or dissipate its energy. This is the reason for attacking the centre. If the blow lands centrally the enemy soaks up all the energy and is propelled backwards or driven off their stance. They are consequently unable to lose any force by pivoting and only able to generate ineffectual counter attacks. It is important to note at this point, that the centre is a line drawn from the source of the incoming force to the core (or central axis) of the body. This is not the same as a line drawn along the front of a body unless the attack is coming in straight and, square on the body. The central axis line is an imaginary plain that moves with us. It helps to simplify, or aim our triangulation The Wing Chun straight-line punch will normally land square on if it comes from the inside line.

However, if it comes in from outside the arm of the opponent it must hit the body at an angle, allowing for the width of the attacker’s shoulders, and the direction of the line into the core. We must make sure that our energy acts through our opponent’s central axis (although it is perfectly possible to knock someone out by clipping them). An example of this would be if a snooker or pool player wishes the cue ball to stop dead, after striking a coloured ball. The shot would have to be played square. If the coloured ball was struck at an angle the cue ball would continue to move after impact, so it has not imparted all its energy to the other ball. 

Combining these principles we can see that: as you pivot (or step) out of the path of an incoming attack, the counter is made back into the centre but down a new angle. Triangulation helps to deflect the attack whilst maintaining a strong position.

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