Wing Chun has Three empty-hand forms. The three empty hand forms are Siu Lim Tao, Chum Kiu, and Biu Jee.
Sil Lim Tao Form
Siu Lim Tao is practiced in a stationary horse stance using only arm movements. Proper practice of Siu Lim Tao enables the student to develop proper abdominal breathing, independent arm movement, focus, stance/stability, and proper energy.
Proper Abdominal Breathing – Constricting the rib cage through the use of arm positioning forces abdominal breathing.
Independent arm movement – Developed by maintaining one arm in a continuous tight chamber (arm is pulled back as if performing an elbow strike with the forearm parallel to the floor) while the other arm is performing the various movements and techniques.
Constant Focus – Focus is maintained on the motions and stress placed on each arm the student develops an awareness of each arm. Focus is developed during the practice of Siu Lim Tao, which when performed properly takes at least a half-hour, as the position of every single body part must be maintained.
Stance/stability – developed by the stationary position of the form. This enhances the students leg strength and gets the student accustomed to the stance.