Xiao Nian Tou (Chinese) or Siu Nim Tao (Cantonese) translates as "Little thought or idea". It is the first form, a thought or idea from which Wing Chun's fundamental system was developed. It can establish a solid foundation for further learning.

The name "Little Thought or idea" has a special meaning which comes from the sentence: "Little thoughts are not right, and lifelong wrong; like martial arts, behave like a person." Little thoughts are like chanting. The basic movements develop the practitioner's strength. The movements of the small thoughts are shaped by thoughts and conformed with thoughts, which can form a mindfulness-awareness. Mindfulness is the origin of Chan practice in Buddhism, a fundamental pathway through which to become aware of the causes and sources of suffering and attain enlightenment or awakening. The four foundations of mindfulness are our bodies, feelings, minds, and the world around us. Training in the foundations of mindfulness is training in seeing reality with more clarity and calmness.