IT IS COMMON knowledge that there are overlaps between various martial arts systems. By design, we have two hands and two feet—and an instinct for both defending and attacking. So it comes as no surprise when similar hand-combat techniques appear across different traditions.
Allow me to draw your attention to two martial arts that share some surface-level similarities, but are unique in their own ways: Wing Chun and Buah Pukul Lian. I had the opportunity to explore these two systems more deeply through interviews with two seasoned practitioners and masters: Abdullah Abdul Aziz[1] (Silat Buah Pukul Lian Padukan) and Aaron Boey[2] (Wing Chun instructor in Penang).
The Wing Chun school of Kung Fu gained global recognition following the success of the Ip Man film series, in which Donnie Yen portrayed the legendary Wing Chun master, Ip Man (Yip Man), best known globally as the mentor of Bruce Lee. Following the films, people around the world became captivated by Wing Chun.
Buah Pukul Lian, in turn, is a traditional Malay martial art practiced in the southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia, especially in Johor.[3] At first glance, the two systems appear similar, particularly in their rapid, continuous strikes and forward-facing stances. However, both Abdullah and Aaron assert that when you dive deeper into these arts, their principles, training methods and philosophies clearly set them apart.
