Siu Nim Tao

Siu Nim Tao (小念頭, Pinyin: xiao3 nian4 tou2 (or tou5); Yale (Jyutping): siu2 nim6 tau4; lit. little thought/idea) is a practice routine of Wing Chun, its first "form".

It is practiced following five major principles:

• kim sut ("knees in")
• lok ma ("lower the stance")
• ting yu ("tuck the hips under")
• dung tao ("head erect")
• mai jahng ("elbows in")

There is no footwork in the first form. However, over time there is a substantial amount of development of the muscles around the knee. This strengthening and conditioning is needed in order to correctly perform the Chum Kiu (尋橋) set.

The form trains many things:

• keeping the center line
• keeping the body still while moving the arms correctly
• providing a stable state to return to while executing wing chun
• applying the elbow energy correctly
• Breathing correctly

Great emphasis is put on relaxation while performing siu nim tao. Siu nim tao can be used as a meditation exercise.