"Where Wing Chun begins"
Snake Crane Wing Chun
Complete 1700s / 1800s CurriculumThis syllabus represents the practical training methods that are embedded throughout the course lessons, developing real internal power, structural integrity, and functional skill through continuous practice.
- Specialised Hei Gung, Noi Gung, Gei Bun Gung ( Qì Gōng, Nèi Gōng and Jīběn Gōng )
- Jaam Jong / Zhàn Zhuāng (Standing Practice) for structure, rooting, awareness, and cultivating Hei / Qi
- Daan Tin / Dān Tián development exercises for functional Jyu Ging / Zhū Jìn , Taan Ging / Tán Jìn - The real internal power as recorded in the Secret Note written in the 1890
- Methods to sink the Hei / Qi naturally, mobilise it and make it ready for use in Chi Sao, Gwo Sao and Lat Sao ( Chī Shǒu, Guò Shǒu, Shuǎi Shǒu )
- Si Lik / Shì Lì (internal force) exercises to develop connection and transmission of power
- Specialised exercises to develop Ting / Tīng (listening), Faa / Huà (transforming), Naa / Ná (seizing), Faat / Fā (issuing) and Nim / Nián (sticking)
- Foundational Snake Body & Crane Limbs training for internal movement, correct shape and powerful force generation
- Snake Engine striking for effective power at any distance with the same internal force (Ging / Jin)
- In depth study of Chi Sao, Luk Sao, Gwo Sao ( Chī Shǒu, Guò Shǒu, Shuǎi Shǒu ) - all based on the principles and concepts as explained in the secret note recorded in the 1890
- Learn the Siu Nim Tau, Chum Kiu and Biu Tze, from the moment of their creation in 1855s based on the secret note recorded in the 1890 by Snake & Crane Wing Chun GM Law Tai Wan
- Red Palm
- Bone marrow washing Sai Seoi Ging / Xǐ Suǐ Jīng
- Internalise the Kuen Kuit (fist poems), understanding both their overt and hidden meanings
These principles are taught implicitly and explicitly within every lesson, guiding how all techniques, drills, and partner work are performed and understood.
- Sung / Sōng – deep relaxation without collapse
- Ting / Tīng – advanced sensitivity and internal listening skill
- The principle of using Jyu Ging / Zhū Jìn (the special internal force used in 1800s Wing Chun), Taan Ging / Tán Jìn (springing force) and not Lik / Lì (brute muscular force)
- Detachement - discover how every limb can function independently without losing its connection to the body's unified center, creating effortless adaptability and freedom of movement.When the mind ceases to cling and the body ceases to resist, every part becomes free to act spontaneously, without disturbing the harmony of the whole
- Transforming the body into a unified vessel capable of receiving and issuing force without conflict
- Correct use and mastering of the Ji / Yì (intention and attention) – Learn to command movement through conscious intent and deep attention rather than muscular force, the hallmark of authentic internal martial arts
- Discover how Ging / Jin is cultivated, stored, transmitted, and expressed through the entire body as one integrated system, driven by one specialised engine
- Understand the inseparable relationship between structure, breath, awareness, and intention that lies at the heart of classical internal practice
- Internal alignment for Chi Sao, Gwo Sao and Lat Sao ( Chī Shǒu, Guò Shǒu, Shuǎi Shǒu ) progression
- The unique principles and concepts of Snake & Crane Wing Chun, based on the secret note recorded in the 1890 by GM Law Tai Wan
- From Form to Principle, transcending technique to understand the timeless laws that gave birth to probably the oldest Wing Chun lineage
This aspect of training unfolds naturally over time through consistent practice following the instructions given during the course, preserving traditional methods passed down through ancestral Wing Chun arts.
- Noi Daan / Nèi Dān (internal alchemical) training
- Cultivation of San, Ji, and Hei (Shén, Yì, Qì)
- Internal routines for health, longevity, and vitality
- Ancient cultivation methods from Wing Chun ancestor arts - Emei Shi Er Zhuang and Fujian White Crane
- Refining awareness, spirit, and intent through internal practice
- Long term progression from foundational work to advanced internal skill
Growth is a lifelong journey built upon discipline, humility, perseverance, and continuous learning. Our system is structured into four progressive stages, each representing a deeper level of understanding, technical ability, character, and responsibility. Each stage is divided into multiple levels, allowing students to progress through clearly defined milestones. Advancement through each level is earned through consistent training, demonstrated proficiency, personal development, and a commitment to the values and traditions of the school.
Apprentice: The Apprentice stage establishes the foundation of the journey. Students learn the essential principles of the art through disciplined practice, respect for tradition, and a willingness to learn. The focus is on developing strong fundamentals, proper habits, and the mindset of a lifelong student. Progression through the Apprentice levels reflects increasing competence and confidence in the core curriculum.
Intermediate: The Intermediate stage builds upon the foundation established as an Apprentice. As students advance through the Intermediate levels, they refine their technical skills, improve their understanding of principles, and learn to apply techniques with greater precision and adaptability. This stage encourages analytical thinking, consistency, and growing independence in training.
Advanced: The Advanced stage represents a high degree of technical proficiency and personal maturity. Through its progressive levels, students demonstrate leadership, self-discipline, and a deeper understanding of both the physical and philosophical aspects of the art. Advanced students are expected to lead by example, assist in the development of others, and continue refining their own knowledge with humility.
Elite & Disciple: The Elite, or Disciple, stage is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, character, loyalty, and commitment to the school’s values and lineage. Like the preceding stages, it contains progressive levels that reflect continued growth in knowledge, responsibility, and service. Entry into this stage is not based solely on technical achievement. Candidates must first be accepted through the Bai See Ceremony, a traditional rite of acceptance that formally recognizes the student as a disciple. Through this ceremony, the disciple enters the school’s inner lineage, affirming a lifelong commitment to preserve its teachings, uphold its traditions, and embody its principles with integrity both inside and outside the training hall.
Master: The final Close Door teachings and the deepest immersion into the esoteric levels of the art. Training focuses on the energetic foundation—cultivating Shen, refining Yi, and harmonizing Qi—bringing internal understanding and external skill into unity.
Grandmaster: Beyond mastery lies legacy. The Grandmaster level is not about learning more techniques, but about embodying the art and ensuring its survival for generations to come.
Inside the Institute
At the Eternal Spring Institute, students are guided through a structured and progressive training system consisting of multiple levels: Apprentice, Intermediate, Advanced, Elite, and Disciple. Upon reaching the Disciple level, a student may be accepted as a closed-door disciple through the traditional Bai Si (tea ceremony), signifying a formal and deeply respected commitment to the lineage.
Eligible students may apply for private instruction and invitation-only closed group training. These advanced studies focus on refined internal development and long-term cultivation, deepening skill through advanced Qigong and Nei Gong methods, detailed study of the Kuen Kuit (fist poems), and practical applications intended to prepare students for responsible transmission.
Sifu Sergio’s Path
Sifu Sergio’s approach is shaped by decades of rigorous training across Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore, New Zealand, and Canada, blended with modern insights gained through sustained practice and deep personal exploration. His teaching method bridges classical tradition with contemporary understanding, allowing students to cultivate authentic internal strength, refined awareness, and lasting self-mastery in a way that is both traditional and highly functional.
Structure of the Program
The Eternal Spring Institute offers a complete internal Wing Chun training pathway, meticulously designed to guide practitioners through the deepest layers of classical skill.
Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun
The 1700s/1800s CurriculumThe Official 1700s / 1800s Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun Curriculum at the Eternal Spring Institute presents a structured progression of key cultivation methods drawn from the ancestral systems of Fujian White Crane and Emei Shi Er Zhuang, alongside the historical Snake Crane Wing Chun transmission preserved through the lineage of the late Grandmaster Law Tai Wan. In 1890, Law Tai Wan recorded the Snake Crane Wing Chun Secret Note and transmitted the system to his wife and his son, Law Ting Chau. The teachings were then passed to Law Ting Chau’s son, Law Chiu Wing, who in turn transmitted them to a select group of closed-door students, including Sifu Wong Kwong Lun. Sifu Wong later chose Sifu Sergio Pascal Iadarola to receive and carry forward the complete system.
This comprehensive training pathway guides students through the classical evolution of the art, revealing the original internal methods, principles, and forms that laid the foundation for modern Wing Chun. As students advance through the curriculum, they are introduced to the earliest versions of the forms that later became widely recognised throughout the Wing Chun world, including:
- Ancient set Siu Lin Tau (1700's curriuclum)
- Siu Nim Tau (1800's curriculum)
- Chum Kiu (1800's curriculum)
- Biu Tze (1800's curriculum)
- Mook Yan Chong (1800's curriculum)
- Luk Dim Poon Kwan (1800's curriculum)
- Tut Min Seung Dao (1800's curriculum)
- Bamboo Dummy (1800's curriculum)
- Specialized chopsticks training and much more (1800's curriculum)
Designed for practitioners seeking complete immersion, this extended curriculum provides a structured journey through every stage of the traditional Snake Crane Wing Chun system. Students develop the internal skills, body mechanics, concepts, principles, and classical forms that have been faithfully preserved within this historic lineage, offering a rare opportunity to study Wing Chun as it was originally transmitted.
Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun
For many years, students have been led to believe that developing high-level internal skill requires twenty years or more. In some cases, advanced internal methods were deliberately withheld, limiting students’ progress and creating the impression that such skills were almost unattainable. The Eternal Spring Institute aims to move beyond that approach by presenting these methods in a structured, transparent, and progressive way.
Through the official Eternal Spring Institute 1700s / 1800s Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun Curriculum, Sifu Sergio Pascal Iadarola guides students through a systematic process of internal development. The program includes detailed instruction in selected cultivation methods drawn from Wing Chun’s ancestral systems, including Fujian White Crane and Emei Shi Er Zhuang. It also explores the ancient single set Siu Lin Tau associated with the late 1700s, before progressing into the earliest versions of the three-form structure of Siu Nim Tau, Chum Kiu, and Biu Tze that emerged during the mid-1800s.
After decades of research and direct study of Wing Chun’s ancestral systems, Sifu Sergio Pascal Iadarola reconstructed the Ancient single set Siu Lin Tau according to the traditional Kuen Kuit, working closely with several of his internal teachers to restore its principles, structure, and methods. In parallel, together with his colleague Sifu Yuri Morelli, he systemised the 1800s Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun syllabus, which preserves early versions of Siu Nim Tau, Chum Kiu, and Biu Tze through the lineage of Grandmaster Law Tai Wan and the Secret Note he recorded in 1890.
Sifu Sergio Pascal Iadarola studied Snake Crane Wing Chun under Sifu Wong Kwong Lun, one of the early students of Sifu Law Chiu Wing during the 1960s and early 1970s. Sifu Wong transmitted the complete system to him, continuing the lineage and providing the foundation for its preservation and presentation within the Eternal Spring Institute curriculum.
"The internal martial arts are all about Mastering Body, Mind and Energy."