100/0, 70/30, 60/40, 50/50. There are several different theories as to which is the proper weight distribution of the stance in Wing Chun Kung Fu.

In Wing Chun Kung Fu different systems believe in using different weight distribution in their stances. This discussion will not be talking about the origin of the different weight distribution, but rather looking at the differences, positives and negatives of the different weight distribution of the different stances.

100/0, 70/30, 60/40

In these stances when shifting from the neutral stance 100%, 70%, or 60% of the practitioners bodyweight is shifted on to one leg or the other. The lighter leg would then have the other 0%, 30%, or 40% of the practitioner's bodyweight. The thinking behind this is, the front leg is lighter than the rear leg. Due to this lightness the practitioner supposedly would not be able to be swept on that front leg. There is also the belief the practitioner would then be able to kick more easily. Now this part is true. It is easier to kick when all of or part of your weight is on one leg. Unfortunately, this will hinder the mobility of the practitioner. If all or part of a person's bodyweight is on one leg, how can that person move in all directions equally? They won't be able to. Another disadvantage of an unequal stance has to do with the structure of the stance. If a person has unequal body they are not as structurally sound as a person with equal body weight. Which is easier, standing on one leg or two legs? The answer is obvious.

50/50

In the 50/50 stance the weight of the body is equally distributed to each leg. When shifting, each leg will always have 50% of the weight on it. This allows for the two themes behind the 50/50 stance. One, it allows for better mobility and two, it allows for better foundation and structure. The mobility part is better due to the fact there is no need to continuously transfer weight from one leg to another. Using the 50/50 stance one would move as easily and naturally as walking or running. When a sprinter runs is the person keeping more weight on one leg or the other? When any person is walking are they keeping more weight on one leg than the other? The answer is no. As for the structure aspect of the 50/50 stance, let me give you this example. When riding a bicycle is it better to ride on one wheel or two? People may think, well what if someone tries to sweep me, shouldn't I have a light leg? No, having one leg lighter than the other isn't going to save you. Your skill as a martial artist is going to save you.

The common theme in all of wing Chun is to do what's natural. If a person has one leg that is shorter than the other or the person has a limp then, for that person it might be natural to have more weight on one leg than the other. Other than that the 50/50 stance is best for Wing Chun. If you have any questions or comments you can direct them to ken@windycitywingchun.com