This doll is used mostly within Wushu to practice fighting techniques, it is the punching bag for martial artists who practice Kung Fu (Wushu), however, it is used more when Wing Chun is practiced directly.
If you've come this far because you've seen Donnie Yen beat him up in at least one of the Ip Man movies, the wooden puppet (Mook Yan Jong) is the flagship tool of Wing Chun Kung Fu.
The wooden quesako doll?
The wooden puppet was developed to compensate for the absence of a partner, it can be compared to a boxer's punching bag as it allows martial arts practitioners to train alone and develop their martial skills.
In the Wing Chun defense system we also use it during classes when the number of students is odd.
Consisting of 3 arms and a leg, a solid stem, base or wall mounting system, its hardwood arms allow you to practice bridging (making contact) and perfect your kickbacks.
During the execution of certain arm techniques, the pressure of the knee is exerted on the central leg, at other times it can also be achieved with the inside of the foot.
Mook Yan Jong is not easy to approach, it requires an initiation because some things are not visible to the naked eye.
I'm especially thinking of using arm-level pushes and pulls to amplify the drilling power, a bit like using the restoring force when compressing a spring.
The wooden dummy in Wing Chun
In the Wing Chun Defense System, learning the wooden dummy form comes at the end of the course for the 4th Technician step.
It contains advanced principles that are part of a path of progression. Take with the left foot what was taught in previous grades.
Let me tell you:
It's a bit like learning a grammar rule and then discovering that there are exceptions. Here the principle "If your opponent's strength is greater than yours, he yields intelligently" that we learned at the beginning is contradicted.
For the wooden dummy training, we prefer to say “If the strength is greater than yours, be even stronger”.
The Wing Chun initiation path has this peculiarity (like others): certain degrees of learning make false what had been acquired in the previous one.
Important to note
We must not forget the Taoist essence of Wing Chun Kung Fu, TAO often makes us uncomfortable by presenting us with realities that seem opposite, as expressed by the symbols of Yin and Yang.
It is therefore necessary to learn that the principles are not fixed and that, above all, they must be adapted to the reality of the moment and the circumstances.
Although normally reserved for the end of the apprenticeship course, it is possible to work with the wooden man even as a beginner.
To work the bases:
- Movements (leaving the central axis to attack at 45° for example)
- Reactions (Tan Sao, Paso Sao, Gan Sao, Lap Sao, etc.)
- Save Tickets or Tickets
Used dynamically, it will reinforce your entire system thanks to the resistance produced by the density of the wood and its stability.
Here is a video with examples of possible moves when starting:
How to choose your wooden doll?
It is important to have a well-made mannequin, it must be made of hard wood, as well as spaces between the arms and the torso that allow a certain "play" between the elements.
What wood should it be made of?
Artisans usually offer a construction in beech, which is a hardwood cut in the country. Although it is of quality, it is not exactly the same as high-density exotic wood.
As my Sifu said, in Wing Chun there are not 108 movements of wooden puppets, but 108 sounds.
What types of mechanisms does this doll have?
I have identified five types of wooden kung fu dummy:
- With central legs: This is the classic and more affordable version, it is not bad for home use, but it does not allow deep work because it does not have enough resistance.
- On the stand: This is much more functional, even if it is somewhat bulky.
- With wall bracket (complete): The version I prefer. When it is fixed on the wall, it is possible to hit the mannequin more strongly, press and stretch it. This will allow you to reform your system, practice restoring strength, and also work certain techniques more realistically. The wooden wall mannequin is more expensive.
- With wall support (half): This version comes with only half of the trunk, without the leg. It is more compact and can be more easily placed in a room. It is also cheaper. The techniques with which you can perform will be less developed. Discover our half-timber mannequin contest!
- In spring: I didn't get a chance to try a wooden puppet in spring.
The dimensions of the wooden mannequin
For an optimal practice of martial art, I advise you to make it to measure. The height of the arms should correspond to the height of the middle of the armpit (within 3/4 cm).
Another important element: the height of the trunk, you should be able to grab the upper part of the wooden mannequin as if you were going to grab the neck of your opponent, to train it it is important that it is not too high.
How to make a wooden doll
If you don't have money to buy a wooden puppet, you have time and you know how to do things with your hands, in addition to putting pak sao on your head, here is a video that is not from my audit, however, with respect to the creator I leave here to serve you, in this way we both add value.
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