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 shown.
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 against any kind of use the Wing Chun ring in our training. Why? Because most of what’s out there conditions the wrong muscle memory. Instead of developing inward pressure and central intent, typical Wing Chun ring training creates outward-pushing energy — like an accordion — which is the opposite of what real Wing Chun demands.
In Wing Chun, everything wedges 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 method passed down through our Dragon Family Wing Chun lineage. It’s not just different… it’s better. It teaches you to develop both elbow structure and relaxed, active hands — at the same time.
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)
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.
Our method solves that. It teaches elbow integrity, shoulder stability, and hand independence — exactly what you need in real application.
It’s the same principle you train in Siu Nim Tao… but now in motion.
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.
Train your elbows to stay stable while your hands do the work — and you’ll feel the difference.
Bonus Tip: Can’t Get Your Elbows Together?
Stretch.
Use the Tan Sau 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.