The Nature of 'Nim Tao' | Chu Shong Tin Wing Chun

The Nature of 'Nim Tao' | Chu Shong Tin Wing Chun
This video is a talk Chu Shong Tin gave on Wing Chun in which he discussed in more detail 'Nim Tao'. He discusses a brief history of Ip Man, relays several stories, 'Lap Nim' (establishing intent), 'Nim Lik' (mind force) and reveals interesting details about the nature of 'Nim Tao' in the brain.
I re-compiled the original footage into sequence, edited, subtitled and fixed the audio (although the original recording has a soundtrack over the top that I tried my best to minimize and remove) for all to benefit from. Hope you enjoy watching!
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Wing Chun Kung Fu is a style of martial arts that may help you to improve your health, posture, power and mind force. The style was developed 300 years ago by Buddhist Nun, Ng Mui, in order to overcome larger and stronger opponents without the need to be big and strong.
Nim Tao Wing Chun's head instructor, Sifu Maksem, teaches the Chu Shong Tin method and aims to pass on the style without altering its time tested and proven methods.
Sifu Maksem has been a student of the Chu Shong Tin lineage for 15 years, under Sifu Mark Spence, and continues to live and breathe martial arts. With more than 25 years of martial arts experience and a diploma in remedial massage, Sifu Maksem is able to help students reach their full potential with his clear and in-depth understanding of Wing Chun.
As an ex full-time instructor at Chi Sau Club, Sifu Maksem has spent many long hours in training and can transfer direct experience to students in a clear and precise manner. Nim Tao Wing Chun prides itself on it's friendly approach to learning and it's dedication to remaining true to the methods of Grandmaster Chu Shong Tin.
Website: nimtaowingchun...
Facebook: / nimtaowingchun
Instagram: / nimtaowingchun

[@georgecarlin2879]

For those of U who've studied yoga or know about chakras, did U just realize Chu Shong Tin is describing the activation of the Kundalini chakra and raising that Kundalini energy up the spine to reach the Crown chakra thru the practice of Sil Nim Tao?!! OMG !!

[@maximuslaurie5139]

Well no doubt the fun part of it sounds similar. but yoga people don't have the same skills he does. I would say some of yoga is efficient to get power tho. Its kinda like being amazed at what a coincidence it is that two unrelated people have the same type of heart. If the whole spine thing is a real phenomena then we should expect it to be present in successful athletes from all over. In yoga we don't have positions like a push up, instead there's downward dog. And this conforms to the idea of balance, and strong structure versus just letting your muscles take it all and getting so sore. you can just do the yoga longer, and get strong and efficient. that's the same as our stance, easier but better.

[@tonno500677]

despite everything he keeps himself so humble, that wonderful person who was

[@wingchun-simplekungfu7584]

That’s a great photo of Sigung Chu Shong Tin . This photo was taken in the mid 1980’s at a martial arts exhibition in Adelaide.South Australia. He was admired by exponents of many different styles from all over Asia over the course of the event . A photographer attempting to take photos of Sigung Chu in the green room asked me to assist with asking for the pole to be held in a particular manner. Every time Sigung posed for the shot , he held the pole pointed directly at the lense. All the photographer could see was the small circular end of the pole and sigungs body to one side of the shape. Funny memory worth sharing.

[@adversecatalyst2190]

I love how much he smiles.

[@yellostallion]

Priceless. Thank you!

[@cgapd8663]

Thank you for uploading this was a very unique inside!

[@nicokik3438]

The real human evolution ! Tks and RIP CST!❣🤝🙏

[@Ali_gamer123money]

Thankyou for sharing, his words are golden.

[@NimTaoWingChun]

Yep, the man was a genius. Happy you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!

[@wingchun-simplekungfu7584]

This photo of Sigung Chu was taken in the late 1980’s in Adelaide at the town hall. There were many very senior representatives from many different styles from across the globe performing their styles on the day. It was a magnificent event. This photo brings back wonderful memories of my Sifu and his wonderful Sifu. . 🙏

[@ДенисДенисов-ш9н]

Thanks! You upload unique and very helpfull videos. Please, keep going :)

[@NimTaoWingChun]

Thanks for your comment! Very happy you find this helpful.

[@minhduytruong9186]

Thanks you Nima for the English Language.

[@NimTaoWingChun]

Thanks for watching! Different guy though haha

[@the.cracky]

@@NimTaoWingChun is this Sifu Spence?

[@NimTaoWingChun]

@@the.cracky Sifu Maksem

[@NimTaoWingChun]

@@the.cracky must have missed this. No, it's instructor Maksem. Mark Spence was my teacher :)

[@wingchunkungfulafloridachi3087]

Thanks for sharing, a Hug from Chile

[@NimTaoWingChun]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@moviewong7728]

Thank you very much for sharing!!!

[@truthhurts1884]

This is fascinating, I wish there was a sifu near me who can express this properly

[@Aerferx]

Spine is made up of C,T,L. Lumbar in, thoracic decompressed, cervical floating. The end result once mastered through hands on training and hands off training should feel like a flotation or centralization of ones qi. The final step however is in the psychology. One must learn the essence of the beautiful spring - nothingness.

[@wingchun-simplekungfu7584]

Where are you ?

[@deSUSATYO_channel]

Great video sir, love it very much from indonesia

[@trinidadraj152]

Brilliant

[@christinaramonaandjelkovic8909]

Thank You!

[@pharujrajborirug4934]

Thank you so much for sharing his Wisdom. Could I ask a question about Sui Nim Tao? I just started practicing just Sui Nim Tao about a month. From what I heard, Ti gong is the first thing you should be able to do during Sui Nim Tao. Could I know by myself that my Ti Gong is correct or on the progress? Or just do it regularly, do not think too much whether the posture is correct or not. Thank you. Best wish

[@NimTaoWingChun]

Glad to hear you're practicing, Mai! If you are thinking about Tai gong regularly this is good; eventually you will come to relax your joints without slouching. Movements should begin to feel weightless - hence effortless. Practice this during chi sau because chi sau will provide a catalyst for learning to relax under pressure so you know it actually works. Your partner should start feeling weightless when you make contact with them, that is the best confirmation in my opinion. Thanks for watching!

[@spawn314159]

im starting to learn that tai gong and raizing crown have other aspects, it sets two paramaters of axis, like two gyro's and you kinda 'snap to grid' when you have instension at both these points, then the third aspect of SNT is the intension of each movement, i think it only has to be 'tight' enough to bring attention,.. 'root lock' 'mula bundha' in a way it changes body configuration from a 3 section person to a two section person as it unites pelvis.. kinda seperates our main axis from that of our feet.. so we now have connection between lower and upper sections of spine instead of floor and head, its now tail bone and head, changes the way kicks happen changes the way body moves (when relaxed) everything unites ..

[@NimTaoWingChun]

Thanks for the comment, cyanide! I agree, many things start happening in the body as training improves.

[@NoobieSnake]

Nim Tao Wing Chun thanks for sharing how it feels when you have done it properly. I also have a question related to your reply to Mai. When you have tai gong correctly, do you also feel your two legs weightless? Or should you be feeling weights going towards your two legs? Since your original reply explained clearly how it should feel on the upper body, I also want to make sure how it feels like for the lower body. Thanks!

[@NimTaoWingChun]

Hi NoobieSnake, Yes, the legs should feel weightless as well. The whole body should feel light AND connected/integrated from your perspective, and from your partners/opponents perspective, you will feel immovable AND light (this is particularly hard to understand without feeling it). I remember I expected Sigung to feel like a heavy and powerful force, but it actually felt like nothing AND unstoppable at the same time. So, as far as your legs are concerned, you will be able to lift them up easily when the hip joint is back in the acetabulum. Remember, Tai Gong is very lightly done with the mind - but it has a physical effect. Don't worry about the effect, just make sure you get the mental process right. It's best not to get caught up in sensations. Even if someone is applying pressure to your stance, you will still be able to raise either leg without having your balance disrupted, whether being pushed from front, sides or back. Hope this helps and thanks for your comment!

[@paolosmaldone7852]

i understund CST went on a strong swimming routine (hours!)and 1000 of punches and kicks.And testing his power lifting blocks and cement bags at building sites.Not only doing SNT.

[@stevenkok1926]

Great.

[@alancwwong]

I reckon Ip Man was not good at explaining things although he himself could be very good

[@wingchun-simplekungfu7584]

Ip was possibly very well trained and his knowledge was admired eventually by his loyal students . My Sifu was a great fighter but a reluctant instructor. Thankfully he brought his Sifu to us and eventually granted me permission to train with him in Hong Kong. Extremely valuable and humbling.

[@Linanjaya]

Is the man in the middle siuyukman?

[@kanyamagaraabdallah8300]

Ah bon merci nos maitre.

[@dhern049]

AWEESOMMMEEEEEEEEEEE

[@NimTaoWingChun]

Glad you like! Thanks for watching!

[@oldthaiguy1940]

Would have been a lots simpler to show Chinese characters instead of just 'Nim Tao' 念頭 'Nim Lik' 念力 'Lap Nim' 建立意圖 Chinese characters describes a lot better than just the pronunciations of 'Nim Tao', 'Nim Lik', 'Lap Nim' !!! Since I am guessing, the true Chinese characters could be different than what I show here! If any of you know the true Chinese definitions of 'Nim Tao', 'Nim Lik', 'Lap Nim' ; please share it here! Thanks much.

[@lm2193]

Both Nim Tao and Nim Lik are cantonese. My guess is, basically Nim Tao means 'intention' and Nim Lik means 'mind force'.

[@oldthaiguy1940]

So, U do not know Chinese characters? LOL55555 Anyway thanks for replying, my young friend!

[@JK-eh2jp]

Nim could mean "intent". Tao could mean "head", however here it could mean "lead". Together Lim Tao could mean "to lead with intent".

[@googguy3000]

Also “ Tai Gone “ 提肛，and Qi 氣

[@wingchun-simplekungfu7584]

@@lm2193 correct 👍🏻

[@HKSCSA]

OK

[@inspiringothers7197]

Why does 99% of wing chun seem to not work? Quite simple actually, they're missing the crucial foundation of Wing Chun.

[@VestigialHead]

+ Inspiring Others A lot of schools do not pressure test. You can be shown amazing technique and practice it diligently. But without the pressure of full contact sparring it is very unlikely you will be able to use it in a real fight. If your school does not do it - get together with some senior students and do it. Just be careful - good protective gear - expect some injuries.

[@inspiringothers7197]

@@VestigialHead Hey there, hope you're having a nice day :) Of course. Keep in mind that Wing Chun is a way of moving which comes about from a complete transformation of your body and mind, not a way of technique primarily. It is still a way of technique as it teaches you combative movements and techniques, but Sil Nim Tao creates a base for your body and mind to undergo a change and for you to achieve a particular state through practice of sil nim tao and keeping your muscles released from tension creating the ability to produce devastating force with a structure that can absorb a lot of force at the same time. This skill alone once attained is a force to be reckoned with, not many people around the world can perfectly do it like Chu Shong Tin could. Basically the common saying; "The stronger guy usually wins the fight". Well if you suddenly become the stronger guy against a guy 2-3 times your strength, you'll probably win the fight. Mix that skill of force generation with any other martial arts, like common mma or whatever you may wish to learn, and you will be basically unstoppable, except to knifes, run from those, and guns, give them your wallet homie, trust me. Hope this was imformative, but to the original point of your comment, I completely agree. One must learn by doing. Fighting is very dynamic, luckily though through constant practice of sil nim tao, another skill called Mushin exists, though that's considered to be quite a high level to start tapping into the Mushin state. An even higher level to have mastered it and have the ability to use it at will. Wing Chun is a very interesting martial art that I think a lot can benefit from. Most wing chun is muscular and the techniques dont really work or arent structurally strong when using muscles to power your movements. Practice sil nim tao 5 mins a day if you wish to attain these skills and over time you will, of course the more you train, the faster you'll progress, as with anything. :p

[@VestigialHead]

@@inspiringothers7197 Thanks mate. I agree that it is useful to practise Siu Nim Tao everyday. I have been practising Wing Chun for 14 years and try to do my forms at least a few times a week. But all that said do not be fooled into thinking that form training will teach you to fight. All forms do is give you repetition of attacks and defences and burn them into your brain. You could do Siu Nim Tao 50 times a day for 10 years and you would not be a better fighter than you were on the day you started. The only thing that actually improves your fighting ability is fighting. It is not considered ok to go out and pick fights these days so we use sparring instead. Full contact sparring or competitive fighting is as close as you can get to a real fight. The only issue with this sparring is it can cause some decent injuries and may scare off some students. So I advise instructors to have a good talk with students and find out what they expect from their art. If they expect real self defense ability or good fighting skill let them know they MUST spar or they will not achieve it. If they are in it more for the arts sake or fitness and health then sparring would be optional.

[@VestigialHead]

@Suryanto Tan Yes an under-trained master is going to create students with gaps in their knowledge. But you could train with the best wing chun master ever to exist for 60 hours a week for 20 years. If you do not pressure test what you are learning it will still fail you when it comes to a real fight. Just like you could train with the best Muay Thai instructor ever and if he decided not to pressure test his students they would fail in combat. Ip Man knew this - he was lucky to have been born at a time when fighting on the streets was not considered a serious offense (unless you killed someone) and because of this he was able to pressure test his skills in REAL combat. He also competed in many martial arts challenges from other masters. So he definitely pressure tested his art. We have become quite soft these days and way too many schools have not added full contact pressure testing as they fear they will lose students. They are correct they will lose students. Full contact sparring is no joke and sorts the men from the boys (women from the girls).

[@The-Contractor]

Ground path and "float." Big deal? Not even a little bit.

[@MrPanetela]

i hate the number 66, so i just had to add one more comment. here it is; in the 17th century, there was no modern convenience...hard work was the norm. so many were stronger fitter healthier than most people today. but the last 100 years folks have grown feebler in need of exercise...so why not learn Wing Chun. Look, you practiced Nim Lik as a child, you called it playing with all of your might. So start slow and easy and work your way up again...good luck. comment number 67 2024

[@MrPanetela]

and Like number 907!

[@bundy4prez462]

Ho Lee Chit Sum Tin Wong!