Wing Chun Ring Training – The ONLY Recommended Way!
The Wing Chun Ring
Let’s get one thing clear — most people are using the Wing Chun ring completely wrong! And it’s not their fault… it’s what they’ve been taught.
If you’ve ever picked up a rattan ring or Kung Fu ring and thought, “What exactly am I supposed to be training here?” — you’re not alone.
For decades, I was adamantly against any kind of use the Wing Chun ring for training. Why? Because most of what’s out there conditions the wrong muscle memory. Instead of developing inward pressure and forward central intent, typical Wing Chun ring training creates outward-pushing energy — spreading like an accordion — which is the opposite of what real Wing Chun demands.
This type of training teaches students to chase hands, exactly what we work so hard to stop doing (see How to Stop Chasing Hands in Wing Chun).
In Wing Chun, both your attacks and defenses should go into the other person’s center.
That’s why the ONLY training method I can recommend for the Wing Chun ring is very specific — a ring training method we’ve found that helps you rather than hurts your development.
It develops independence of the arm joints… training you to stabalize your elbow structure while relaxing and mobilizing the hands.
But first lets talk about the Wing Chun ring itself.
What Type of Wing Chun Ring Should You Use?
The Wing Chun ring doesn’t have to be fancy — and it doesn’t have to be rattan.
While traditionalists often use a rattan ring, you can also use one made of hardwood, plastic, or even metal. What matters most is that it feels comfortable in your hands and supports the method you’re practicing.
The Kung Fu ring size can vary too. Aim for one that’s somewhere between half and the full length of your forearm. For most students, I recommend a diameter of 8–9 inches.
How to Train with the Wing Chun Ring (Properly)
Here’s how we do it.
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Start by pressing your elbows together — funny bone to funny bone.
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If your elbows don’t touch naturally, use a rolled-up cloth or pad in between.
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Place one hand up, one hand down, with both arms inside the ring.
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Rotate your hands through the ring — switching positions — while maintaining that elbow pressure inward.
It’s not about pushing out. It’s about pulling in — while your hands remain mobile and relaxed.
We call this independence — the ability to keep the elbow and shoulder structure locked in, while the hands move freely around it. This method of Wing Chun ring training builds that perfectly.
Why This Kung Fu Ring Method Works (And Others Don’t)
Like I said before, most people using a Kung Fu ring are unknowingly training bad habits.
Their elbows float. Their shoulders stretch out. Their energy collapses or spreads — all things that destroy Wing Chun structure and precision.
This method solves that. It teaches elbow integrity, promotes shoulder stability, and develops hand independence — exactly what you need in real application!
Applying the Wing Chun Ring to Dummy Training and Combat
This isn’t just an arm warm-up.
What you build here directly applies to Wing Chun dummy training — especially with techniques like Jow Sau (circling hand) and positional shifts around the opponent.
That means more stable transitions… tighter redirections… and more connected power when you strike.
Your hands become lighter, more relaxed and coordinated.
As you train your elbows to stay stable — and you’ll feel the difference.
Bonus Tip: Can’t Get Your Elbows Together?
Stretch.
Use the Tan Sao stretch. Tan forward, circle down, grab your wrist or thumb, and extend. Don’t just stretch outward — stretch downward. This opens up the shoulder and gives you more control in your Wing Chun ring training.