Site Contents

Start of Main Content

You nearly never need to push. There's always a technique that can exploit the weakness in the opponent's technique.

Chi Sau means 'sticking hands', and refers to a variable training exercise that is practiced with a partner, enabling both partners to intensively develop Wing Chun skills that can not easily be developed by training alone.

Chi Sau enables one to apply the movements and structures of the forms to practical techniques as they should be executed in a fight; without protective bodywear, as one would be in a typical fight; making minimal adjustments to keep things friendly and free from injury, and with optional further controls when focusing on the development of specific skills.

More elementary ways to practice Chi Sau include Dan Chi Sau (the single-handed version), which focuses on sensitivity and a few specific techniques, and Poon Sau (rolling), which involves slowly and relaxedly rolling with both arms in a pattern between certain positions, focusing on sensitivity and positions that are preparatory to techniques.

Less restricted ways of practicing Chi Sau enable practitioners to quickly develop an awareness of the inter-techique movements of the system. 'Free' Chi Sau also facilitates good familiarity with broken rhythm.

Chi Sau does not teach the bridge of the gap from a non-contact position, nor does Chi Sau involve kicking, which could be used to bridge such a gap. Chi Sau also does not facilitate the practice of hard or heavy impact, such as that with techniques on the wall bag or wooden dummy, but Chi Sau is otherwise a holistic training exercise, best facilitating the development of physical awareness and quick, appropriate responses.

Wing Chun escapes the danger of over-organisation by using Chi Sau to teach the void between the named movements, thus reducing the need for further name-calling.

Although I've never practiced this way (yet), I think chi sau should also incorporate kicking with feet and knees, so as to generally utilise all Wing Chun skills. Maybe as a bridge before full sparring.

Chi Sau and Forwarding

Forwarding in 1-on-1 Chi Sau, is 100% mental and 0% physical. Many teachers will say they're only forwarding mentally, while in reality they're pushing physically. Forwarding should just be focusing the mind to react to when the opponent compromises your structure; not to react by pushing. There's never, ever, ever a need to use force against force in Wing Chun Kung Fu. Kung Fu's "hard work" is about being hard on yourself to stay soft on other people. Just respond by doing the technique (if you know how) which exploits the technical weakness in the opponent's technique. And every technique has a weakness, so be ready to respond to when your opponent counters your previous response. An advanced level of instant responses to responses is called Fan Sau - returning hands.

Further Reading

What is Chi Sau, by Samuel Kwok

http://www.chingmo.com/whatchisau.htm

Misc

• 
• 
• 
• 

© 2005-2008 Wing Chun Kung Fu. No rights reserved.

Privacy Practices. Terms of Use. Powered by BWDP and AwardSpace. Contact Author/Webmaster.

Disclaimer: The words on this website are temporary, non-factual thoughts of the author.