The Art of Communication in Wing Tsun
How we communicate and engage with others is fundamental to our experience of life. Yet, communication is one of the most misunderstood and often mishandled aspects of human interaction. In Wing Tsun, we learn that true success is not simply about external achievement but about harmony, clarity, and the ability to engage meaningfully with the world around us.
Building on my previous post about how we approach life, the next natural step is to examine Wing Tsun’s approach to communication. In Wing Tsun, clarity in movement translates into clarity in speech. Just as we refine technique to be direct, efficient, and purposeful, so too must we refine our language. This journey through the forms of Wing Tsun mirrors our development in communication.
Too often, we assume we are speaking the same language as others but, in reality, our words carry entirely different meanings depending on the person receiving them. The first step is awareness: What do words mean to you? And how do you go about communicating with others?
The Forms of Wing Tsun and Communication
Wing Tsun takes you through distinct stages of development, each revealing deeper insights—not only into movement and combat but also into communication itself. Each stage teaches us a different lesson about how we express ourselves:
1. Siu Nim Tau – Awareness of Words (The Head)
The first form, Siu Nim Tau (Little Idea), is about laying the foundation. It teaches stillness, structure, and intent—qualities that are equally essential in communication. At this stage, we become conscious of our words, learning to use them with clarity rather than habit.
2. Chum Kiu – Heart-Centered Connection (The Heart)
Chum Kiu (Seeking the Bridge) introduces movement and connection. Here, communication is not just about self-awareness but about engaging meaningfully with others. Words, like movements, can be used to dissolve conflict or to deepen bonds. This is where we learn to communicate with authenticity and heart, rather than purely from intellect.
3. Biu Jee – Precision and Mastery of Language (The Gut)
Biu Jee (Flying Fingers) is about precision—both in movement and in words. Just as the form refines the practitioner’s skill, this stage of communication requires mastery in expression. It’s not just about what is said, but how it is said. Precision in language is a master skill—ensuring words carry exactly the meaning you intend, free from ambiguity.
If Siu Nim Tau is about thought and structure, and Chum Kiu is about emotional connection, then Biu Jee represents instinct—the ability to respond with razor-sharp precision, just as the gut often knows before the mind does.
4. Wooden Dummy – Wholeness and The Paradox of Language
At the Muk Yan Jong (Wooden Dummy) stage, an interesting paradox emerges: the realisation that words can never fully convey the depth of experience. Language, by its very nature, is a limitation. A word is merely a representation of something greater—just as saying “tree” can never encapsulate the living, breathing essence of an actual tree. At this level, we understand both the power and the limitations of language.
The English Language and the Illusion of Clarity
Bringing this back to the first and second forms, Wing Tsun provides a systematic approach to communication. One of the core tenets, especially in teaching, is honesty—with oneself and with others.
Students must be honest about their abilities, their challenges, and their progress. Likewise, a teacher must communicate with clarity and directness, creating a space where truth is welcomed rather than feared. This is what modern terminology might call radical honesty, but in reality, it has been a radical concept throughout history. Few people can be truly clear and honest without generating conflict, yet the ability to do so is essential for real progress.
Just as Wing Tsun strips away unnecessary movement, effective communication strips away unnecessary vagueness. In a world where diplomacy often replaces truth, Wing Tsun reminds us that clarity—spoken with integrity—is the foundation of real connection.
In English culture, we often admire those who “call a spade a spade” precisely because so much of our language is designed for diplomacy rather than directness. The hybrid nature of English allows for ambiguity—statements like “It’s definitely something we should consider” appear definitive but are ultimately vague. This is why English excels in diplomacy but can lack the clarity needed for true understanding.
Radical Honesty and Clarity in Communication
Having given an overview of how Wing Tsun approaches this, we now turn to the principles that build on these ideas. Wing Tsun provides a structured way to develop communication, with three key pieces of advice for both teachers and students:
1. We only talk about people as if they were there.
The very first principle in Wing Tsun is Chu Ming – ‘Face to Face.’ Normally, this refers to how we stand and defend ourselves, but it has a deeper meaning—speaking as if you are always facing the person. Chu Ming is more than a stance—it is a principle of presence. In Wing Tsun, we always face our opponent directly. This same principle applies to speech: to communicate with honesty, we must face people directly, not hide behind gossip or avoidance.
This principle was introduced to great success by John Vincent at Leon Restaurants. And it is more challenging than it sounds. Gossip is easy. Speaking about others in their absence can be effortless. But gossip serves no one. If something needs to be addressed, it should be discussed directly with the right person—or not at all. It takes courage, but it is essential for genuine communication and trust.
When I work with companies on culture and high performance, I consistently see that the best teams understand the importance and power of courageous communication.
2. We have honest and direct conversations with the appropriate person.
This means that when difficult conversations need to happen, they do—but always with the right person and in the right way. If we fail to express what we feel, it festers, leading to resentment. There’s a simple but powerful saying:
"Unspoken expectations are just resentments waiting to happen."
By prioritising clarity in communication, we prevent unnecessary conflict before it even begins and create the ability to learn and scale far quicker than otherwise.
3. We speak with Kindness and Non-Judgment.
Communication is not just about what we say—it is about how we say it. In Wing Tsun, we train to be calm under pressure, to respond rather than react, and to remain composed even in the face of aggression. These same principles apply to verbal communication.
Radical honesty is often misunderstood as brutal honesty. But truth, when spoken without kindness, becomes a weapon rather than a bridge. True honesty is not about being harsh—it’s about being real while respecting the person in front of us.
When we speak with kindness and without judgment, even the most difficult conversations become constructive rather than destructive. This does not mean avoiding honesty—it means delivering truth with care, ensuring that our words empower rather than wound.
This aligns closely with the philosophy of Radical Honesty, as explored by Dr. Brad Blanton in his book Radical Honesty: How to Transform Your Life by Telling the Truth. He highlights how withholding truths leads to stress, dissatisfaction, and internal conflict. When honesty is practiced correctly, it reduces suffering and enhances freedom.
A Practice, Not a Destination
Now, it’s important to say—this takes practice (see my post on Behaviour Change in Wing Tsun). And we all fail at each of these principles. I know I have. But like Wing Tsun itself, this is a practice—not a destination. We will fail at times. But mastery is not about never failing; it is about continually refining. The key is to hold ourselves to these standards while also allowing room for growth.
So, I leave you with this question:
What is your approach to communication? And is there anything you want to change?
Sifu