The Sil Lum Tao form trains you to move energy in and away from your body’s center. It demonstrates the hand positions of the Wing Chun system and provides stance training. This form is not taught as a series of battle applications, for this would limit the endless possibilities of movement and application that come from the Sil Lum Tao. Rather, the Sil Lum Tao promotes relaxation and proper breathing and focuses qi and blood to flow smoothly throughout the body. Qi is the vital energy force that runs through everyone’s body.
The Sil Lum Tao is the dictionary of our system. Because it provides such a solid foundation, it is often the first and last form every Wing Chun practitioner studies. At the beginning levels, focus is placed on positioning and movement. At the more advanced levels, it is a true internal qi development tool. As you develop proficiency in the Sil Lum Tao, you should feel the form rather than think about the next movement in the series.
