Using fictitious Wing Chun plans to build your own

Many martial artists have discovered the benefits of training with a wooden dummy. This practice was brought to the conventional world of martial arts by Wing Chun kung fu style. While all Wing Chun techniques can be applied and trained on a wooden dummy, artists of other styles are also adapting their own training to apply to a wooden dummy.

However, Wing Chun mannequins can be prohibitively expensive, and retail models often cost over $ 1,000 or more! Fortunately, mannequins can be built for a lot less, but it can be a project if you’re not up to it.

Here is a brief overview of how to create yours

Locate Good Dummy Wing Chun Blueprints – Some of the available plans are basically flat. They show dimensions and measurements, but they don’t actually tell you as to build the mannequin. For example, drilling the holes in the body of the mannequin can be challenging as it requires cutting square holes in a round body. This may require a bit of extra instruction for someone who has never done any kind of drilling / sawing / filing / etc. prior to.

Consider having your arms fabricated by a professional – The arms are the most complicated part of the mannequin to make. The stems that attach them to the body of the mannequin must be square, and the arms themselves must be tapered and cylindrical, and construction requires the use of a lathe. Most people don’t own lathes, and renting one (not to mention learning how to use it) can be expensive. Fortunately, arms can be purchased (either from wood mannequin companies or manufactured by carpenters) for a relatively low price, often around $ 60 per arm.

Consider using PVC for the body – The 8 “PVC pipe has an outer diameter of 8.625”, which is perfect for a Wing Chun mannequin (the acceptable range is 8.5-9.5 “in diameter). Some people may initially complain about using plastic instead. made of wood, but the plastic is just as hard, exactly the right size and shape, and significantly easier to work with. Cutting square holes in PVC pipe takes a little time. Cutting square holes in a solid 8.5 “diameter piece of wood takes forever, especially if you’re not used to working with wood. And PVC is a lot cheaper, too.

Take your time – Building your own doll can be fun and rewarding, but don’t rush. Check all your measurements before cutting anything.

Building your own Wing Chun doll can be rewarding and affordable. The cost of building your own is generally significantly less than half of buying from a retailer. Be aware of it and it will reward you for years to come.