History

The Legend of Redboat Wing Chun

The philosophy and principle of effectiveness of the Southern Shaolin monks was based on the experience of direct and tangible reality. The philosophy of Chan Buddhism meant a return to naturalness and simplicity. This often stood in contrast to the methods of the styles outside the temple. Those often sought after magic and idolatry. The fate lied in the hands of the elders, to whom one owed unconditional obedience. This is the reason why the monks of the Wing Chun Tong implemented only the simplest and most efficient concepts into their teachings. They were meant to be comprehensible to everyone and directly applicable in every situation.

The red boat as a shelter and keeper of Shaolin knowledge

The abbot of the monastery, Chi Sim Sin Si, was also guardian of this special knowledge. In the 18th century the southern Shaolin Temple was betrayed and destroyed by the ruling powers, the Manchus. Chi Sin Sim Si was able to flee and hide on a "Red Boat" as a cook under cover identity. The red boats, which were used by opera troupes, were a favorite place for rebels and resistance fighters to hide. Because these sailed the coast from place to place, they were perfectly suited to organize the resistance fighters and pass secret messages from town to town, unnoticed by the watchful eyes of the authorities. The red boats had permission to move freely to the coastal resorts to entertain the population in which the performances of Chinese opera were very popular.