The wooden dummy in Siu Lam Wing Chun:
A legacy of resistance and precision
The wooden dummy, also known as Muk Jan Zong, is one of the most symbolic and effective training tools in Siu Lam Wing Chun. This tool, modeled after a human being, is essential for the development of a variety of skills. Working with the wooden dummy not only improves striking power and footwork, but also sensitivity, alignment, robustness and infighting skills. This training helps practitioners refine their techniques under simulated combat conditions.
The special wooden puppet form we use in our practice was passed down from Fung Siu Cing to Tang Syun in the Tang family. This form has its roots deep in the historical context of the resistance struggle against the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911), mediated through the relationship with San Gam, an actor of the Red Junk. The Red Junk is not only an integral part of the legends surrounding Wing Chun, but also a historical symbol of the resistance against the Qing government. It served as a secret meeting place for the revolutionaries, where important martial arts techniques were disseminated and preserved among the rebels.
The passing on of this special wooden dummy form from Tang Syun to his son Tang Yik and later through his direct disciples to Peter Scholz shows the importance of the wooden dummy as a keeper and mediator of advanced martial arts techniques. This tradition and the techniques associated with it were often imitated, but rarely achieved in their depth and authenticity. Peter Scholz achieved first place in the “Muk Jan Zong” category at the International Huo Yuan Jia Memorial Martial Arts Championship 2019 with his execution of the wooden dummy form.
Within the Tang family there is another specialized training device, the wooden long pole dummy. This device consists of a frame and seven long poles and is specially designed for practicing long pole techniques. The long pole footwork for which the Tang family became famous is practiced on this device. This step work, which includes frontal, oblique and lateral alignments, forms the basis of unarmed fighting in Siu Lam Wing Chun and is unique in the entire Wing Chun field.
The wooden dummy in Siu Lam Wing Chun therefore not only represents a physical training tool, but also a cultural heritage that is closely linked to the struggle for freedom and the preservation of profound martial arts knowledge.
