Luk Dim Boon Kwun translates as the six-and-one-half-point pole form. The length of the pole can vary, but it is usually around 8 feet in length, and tapered at one end. Some poles are about 10 feet to 12 feet in length, but they are rare outside Hong Kong and China. This form requires tremendous strength of the entire body. Therefore this form develops the back, shoulders, triceps, biceps, forearm, wrist and legs. The stance Yee Chi Kim Yeung Ma is no longer used, but the Say Ping Ma - 'quadrilateral stance' and Ding Ma - 'T stance' are used. This further builds up much more strength and power in the practitioner.
The Luk Dim Boon Kwun form is a series of seven moves (poke, spiral stick, lift, scoop, pull, whip, half-kwun block), with one of the seven being the half-point. The power when wielding this weapon is concentrated at the point with flexible force, and for this reason few students of Wing-Chun can master it. One of the unique pole techniques, Chi Kwun – (the 'sticking pole' drill) - is also taught in order to face an assailant with the same weapon. Chi Kwun method trains the practitioner using the pole to stick with the opponent’s weapon to attack his wrist to the point that he has to drop the weapons.
The use of the staff and long pole was also popular among the Siu Lam monks during the early Sung Dynasty (A.D. 960-1279). During that time the monks were involved in helping the first emperor, the Sung, establish his kingdom. The staff and long pole were used extensively by the monks, who, because of their religion, did not like sharp edged weapons that would inflict undue injury to their enemies. Even after the Sung Dynasty, the Siu Lam monks continued to favor the use of the staff and long pole. In the Manchu Dynasty (1644-1911), the monks used these weapons to defend themselves from the Manchu Government's siege on the Siu Lam Temple.
According to Chinese legend, Grandmaster Chi Sin was also one of the five monks who developed the Wing Chun style. But Yim Wing Chun, who became the only heir to the Wing Chun style, and after whom it was named, did not learn the dragon pole as part of her Wing Chun training. She completed her training under Ng Mui, having learned only the empty-hand techniques and the butterfly swords which she passed on to her husband Leung Bok Cho.
The Dragon Pole descended from Chi Sin through three generations of his disciples to Wong Wah Bo, and was reunited with the Wing Chun style by another twist of fate. Yim Wing Chun's husband, Leung Bok Cho, in searching for someone to whom he could pass on the Wing Chun system chose on of his nephews. Coincidentally, this also turned out to be Wong Wah Bo, the third generation heir to the dragon pole techniques of Grandmaster Chi Sin. Whether or not this legend is true, the Dragon Pole form does arm the Wing Chun practitioners with the long range weapon which makes it tougher to square off in a fight.
The use of the Luk-Dim-Boon-Kwun is learned in four phases:
1. Battle Punches (Jin-Tsui)
2. Biu-Kwun (Thrusting Pole)
3. Chi-Kwun (Sticking Pole)
4. Luk-Dim-Boon-Kwun- (6 1/2 point pole form)
A firm understanding of the three forms and the wooden dummy is essential prior to studying the pole. One needs a partner to learn the pole correctly. Play the pole form until it becomes second nature and overall proficiency is attained.
Always remember, the advanced techniques are the basic techniques mastered.” To master the techniques takes patience and time, hard training and perseverance. The long pole trains the development of your punch to make it exceptionally strong and powerful. This weapon is very powerful and dangerous. It is unforgiving in that no one can withstand one hit from the Kwun. This training serves to enhance and refine one’s empty hand skill as well. You will find that it expands your understanding of the Wing-Chun system and particularly the centerline theory.
Kung-Fu power comes up from the ground and is generated by the legs, directed through the hips, magnified by the torque and alternate arm pulling motions, enhanced with forward momentum from stepping, released out of the hand into your weapon and delivered through your opponent: - Late Grandmaster Moy Yat.
