The Four Core Principles of Wing Tsjun

The Four Core Principles of Wing Tsjun: Loy (來), Lau (留), Hoy (開), Sung (鬆) – The Path to Lat Sao Jik Chung (黐手直衝)

In Wing Tsjun (Wing Chun), true effectiveness comes from inner principles, not outer force. At the core of its application are four key concepts: Loy (來), Lau (留), Hoy (開), and Sung (鬆). These principles guide every motion and reaction in combat, and when unified, they lead to the expression known as Lat Sao Jik Chung (黐手直衝)—“direct force through contact.”

Let’s break down what each of these means and how they shape the way Wing Tsjun is practiced and applied.

1. Loy (來) – Receiving / Incoming Force
“Accept what comes.”

Loy (來) means “to come” or “to receive.” It is the first touchpoint in any exchange. You don’t block or resist the incoming force—you connect with it and use it to understand your opponent’s intent. This contact allows you to stay sensitive and gain control from the start.

In Wing Tsjun, Loy is your invitation to the conversation of combat. It opens the door to control without confrontation.

2. Lau (留) – Flowing / Following
“Follow what leaves.”

Lau (留) means “to stay” or “to keep.” Once contact is made, Lau guides you to maintain that connection as your opponent moves. Whether they retreat, shift, or redirect, you stay with them—fluidly and naturally—without losing control.

This is the essence of sticking hands (黐手). You follow their movement without tension, allowing you to stay ahead of their intentions.

3. Hoy (開) – Opening / Releasing
“Create or exploit openings.”

Hoy (開) translates to “open.” It is the moment when you use structure, timing, or deception to create an opening in your opponent’s defense. Sometimes this means drawing them out, redirecting their force, or simply waiting until they leave an opening.

Hoy is not just strategic—it’s surgical. It allows you to strike when the moment is right, not just when the opportunity is forced.

4. Sung (鬆) – Relaxation
“Relax to move with speed and clarity.”

Sung (鬆) means “relaxed” or “loose.” This principle is central to Wing Tsjun: only through relaxation can you move efficiently and explosively. Tension slows you down, clouds your sensitivity, and telegraphs your intent. Relaxation, on the other hand, gives you structure without stiffness.

Sung sharpens your reflexes, improves your balance, and increases your ability to react without hesitation.

Lat Sao Jik Chung (黐手直衝): The Culmination
“Direct force through contact.”

Lat Sao Jik Chung (黐手直衝) is the manifestation of all four principles working together. It means “sticking hand direct thrust”—a seamless transition from touch to strike, from defense to offense.

Rather than forcing an outcome, you allow it to emerge naturally through connection, flow, and timing. When Loy, Lau, Hoy, and Sung are present, your energy travels directly through the contact point, with no need for wind-up or warning.

Final Thoughts
Wing Tsjun is more than a fighting system—it’s a language of movement, connection, and structure. The principles of Loy (來), Lau (留), Hoy (開), and Sung (鬆) form its grammar. When applied with intention, they result in Lat Sao Jik Chung (黐手直衝)—an efficient and powerful method of self-defense rooted in sensitivity and timing.

As you watch the accompanying video, try to identify these principles in action. Wing Tsjun isn’t flashy, but it’s deeply intelligent—built on simplicity, directness, and the mastery of subtle forces.