Nim in Siu Nim Tau

[Awatea Piripi Edwin]

Nim or idea/thought.

Yip Man was once asked by his student/disciple Tsui Seung Tin (Chu Shong Tin) what the meaning was behind name of Wing Chun's first form - Siu Nim Tau, particularly as the name seemingly has no connotations of being referenced to combat, because after all Wing Chun Kuen is a very combat orientated system. Yip Man replied, "This is about Lop Nim - (to establish an idea in the mind." He also added that it required prolonged practice of Siu Nim Tau to truly master the essence of 'Lop Nim'.

Chu admits spending a great deal of time analyzing the nature of this concept but was still unable to grasp the truth of this concept. He then decided to drop all thoughts of what it is or isn't and chose to instead practice Siu Nim Tau whenever he could, day or night. After an extended period of time he began to see the connection between Lop Nim and the form.

This brought him great joy in his Wing Chun training fueling his further interest in the art. He even admits to having become obsessed with the art. (I have to say since also discovering the Nim in Siu Nim Tau my joy in practice of the form and art and my own research and practice of the skills that this idea adds to the already awesome system has increased many times what it was).

In time Chu was able to discover some powerful but hidden forces within each of the movements in Siu Nim Tau. All of the movements are able to deliver indestructible power whilst looking soft and even graceful. By this method of repetition Chu was able to understand the concept of Lop Nim and became extremely enlightened and inspired by it.

From the concept of Lop Nim the true secrets or mystery of Siu Nim Tau is revealed.

In summary the hidden power within the form is a kind of 'thought-force' or 'Nim Lik'. Perhaps even described as a mind/intent force.

So in essence the form Siu Nim Tau has two main points to it: Nim Lik and structure.