Running & Martial Arts Gear

Chi Sao – Corner Stone Of Wing Chun Training

One of the most important techniques in wing chun is chi sao or sticky hands techniques.  It s an intermediate to advanced components of your wing chun training.  Since wing chun is a close quarter system it is potentially dangerous for  the practitioners themselves, who are at risk at being hit, grabbed or kicked.  This realisation has led to a particular training method called cheung chi sao–or double stickily hands.

To the uninitiated the technique resembles  a hurt boxer trying to “spoil” his opponents attack by clinging  to his arms,  The aim is to prevent an opponent striking freely, giving  wing chun practitioner the opportunity to  control, trap and break free to strike.The skill is where both parties are looking to achieve the same goal and helps develop the practitioners -this can also be enhanced when blindfolded.  Indeed it is usually easier to learn chi sao blindfolded as it allows you to concentrate on the feel and sensitivity of your opponents.  A skillful practitioner can eventually predict and nullify the danger. This is the primary aim of chi sao

The main areas where chi sao seeks to develop fall into the categorises of: sensitivity, power and general fitness.  Sensitivity covers such aspects as  the centre line concept, reaction to directional change, striking when the hand is  free, going with the force of your opponent and not resisting force against force, continuous techniques (fluidity) and balance on the vertical and horizontal planes,  Power involves: guiding power, aggressive and explosive power, power control and balancing power techniques.  General fitness is required  throughout your wing chun training to maintain consistent practice of these techniques.  If you become too tired, fatigued your technique will suffer and you will not be effective. Chi Sao embodies what wing chun is about and a technique that will serve you well for the rest of your wing chun career.

 

Wing Chun with Master Wang ZhiPeng