The Siu Nihm Tao is the first and fundamental empty hand form. Known as the "Little Idea," the form contains an array of concepts and emotions that teach basic squared-body exercise stance, the centerline, and the fundamentals of internal joint control. In a way, the form contains the basis if the entire Wing Chun system.

"Siu" means "compact/economical" or "to decrease." "Nihm" means "idea" or "intent." "Tao" means "beginning" or "head." The name implies that training should begin by emptying the mind of preconceptions or distractions in order to focus on the idea (or intent) of this economical form.

At its most basic level, the Siu Nihm Tao teaches the student Baat Jee Kim Yeung Ma (goat clamping stance), to develop a strong root (stance). It also teaches angles and structure of Wing Chun's principal hand movements (bong sao, tahn sao, fook sao, biu jee, gan sao, pak sao). At the higher and deeper levels, the Siu Nihm Tao is also a tendon strengthening system (yee gun ging) and chi development for power and self-healing.

The Chum Kiu (searching for the bridge) is the second empty hand form. The second system derives from the Siu Nihm Tao and teaches additional hand and body movements that attack the opponent while protecting the body's centerline. It trains the student how to move and attack with power, while maintaining a strong root to the ground. Chum Kiu also teaches and develops torque power, gauging the opponent's distance, and kicking.

"Chum" has three distinct meanings:

1. "Chum" as a "Short Bridge"- One seeks all the essential features of body balance, coordinating of the hands and legs, smooth footwork and unified as well as broken actions- a link between Siu Nihm Tao and Biu Jee.

2. "Chum" as "Searching"- Application involves coming into proper fighting range.

3. "Chum" as "Sinking"- This form employs techniques that utilize the arms to "sink" or "drop" on the opponent, thus creating an attacking/defensive movement.

Literally translating, "kiu" means bridge, but in reality, "kiu" represents every time the limbs cross or come into another's boundary. This, the Chum Kiu form teaches how to connect with the opponent while maintaining an effective defense.

The Biu Jee (shooting fingers) is the third system of the empty hand form. Following the Siu Nihm Tao structure, Biu Jee teaches hand and leg recovery movements, the use of your personal horizontal axis, and the further development of internal energy. Traditionally, Biu Jee was kept very secret and taught only to the most advanced, loyal and dedicated "closed-door" students.

"Biu" literally means to thrust. At this stage of development, we have Siu Nihm Tao and Chum Kiu skill levels behind every strike. We are now able to use the entire body to deliver force. This is where we train the whole body to thrust with each strike, even though the body often does not appear to move. Every strike results from an explosive release of energy. "Jee" literally means "point of extremities" of fingers. At this level we are focused on delivering explosive energy to the striking surface at the outer boundary, regardless of what the striking surface is: fingers, fists, palms, elbows, knees, or feet.

Chi Sao (sticky hands) is an exercise that develops hand sensitivity, reflexes, timing, and centerline positioning through dynamic contact with a partner. One's own strengths and weaknesses become apparent, as well as those of the opponent, immediately upon contact. The Chi Sao exercise allows for experimentation with strategy, attack and defenses. There are numerous ways to perfom this exercise: standing, sitting, moving, blindfolded...

The Mook Yan Jong (wooden man dummy) is designed to imitate the opponent. It enhances the empty hand forms by providing structure to the three forms. It develops footwork, the centerline, and controlled release of energy.

The essence of all Jong training involves development and in-depth understanding in three crucial areas: efficiency and compactness of structure, attributes, and applications. Efficiency stems from a true understanding of hand, leg, and body positioning. All must remain properly aligned throughout the full range of motion and contact. Only then can one examine and master the proper release of full body power to the opponent. Ultimately, proper position and the ability to release power to the dummy allows the practitioner to fully examine and comprehend the broad spectrum of applications possible with Wing Chun techniques.