Chi Sao
is a specialized method of training which develops touch or
contact reflexes and coordination of the limbs, while improving
balance, close range focus of the eyes, and developing internal
energy for striking at close range. Chi Sao's side benefits
include improvement of footwork for close range mobility,
accuracy for striking and the ability to control an opponent's
balance from the point of contact. Although Chi Sao does not
resemble fighting, the understanding of the application of
force and technique gained through Chi Sao practice is invaluable
and directly applicable to fighting.
A contact
reflex is a conditioned response to a specific stimuli. Grandmaster
Cheung often compares it to fishing. "You don't see the
fish, but when it takes the bait you feel the vibration through
the line and rod". After a block, a point of contact is
established. Through this point, any movement is transmitted
as a vibration. The Wing Chun practitioner, through Chi Sao
practice, can interpret this vibration instantly, responding
by simultaneously jamming the opponents intended move and
counterattacking. This response is the same as the fisherman
setting the hook. A contact reflex action.
There
are three possible situations that can be detected at
every contact point.
|
1. |
The
incoming force will continue in the same direction. |
2. |
The
incoming force will stop before going on to another movement.
|
3. |
The
incoming force will be withdrawn in the opposite or near
opposite direction. |
Chi Sao
is learned in three distinct stages. Each providing the Wing
Chun student greater versatility, understanding and skill.
1. |
Single
hand or Don Chi Sao parallel arm. |
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|
The
basic drill begins with both practitioners facing each
other square on. Practitioner "A", using a Tan Sao (palm
up block), while practitioner "B" is using Fook Sao (
bridge on arm). The drill is practiced on a three count.
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|
1a. |
Practitioner
"A" delivers a palm strike, and Practitioner "B" deflects
the palm strike with Jut Sao (jerk hand block). |
|
1b. |
Practitioner
"B" delivers a straight punch to the head of Practitioner
"A", as "A" defends with Bon Sao. |
|
1c. |
Both
practitioners return to the starting position |
Each
student takes turns in position A and B with each hand.
Once the student reaches proficiency with the basic drill,
there are other more advanced versions that are learned. |
2. |
Single
hand or Don Chi Sao cross arm. |
|
|
This
basic drill begins with both practitioners facing each
other in front stances either right to right or left to
left with the lead hands touching at, or near, the wrists
in Wu Sao (guarding hand) position. |
|
2a. |
Practitioner
"A" will apply Jut Sao to create an opening to punch at
the head of Practitioner "B". |
|
2b. |
As
the punch is delivered, Practitioner "B" deflects the
incoming blow with Tan Sao. |
|
2c. |
Practitioner
"A" presses the attack with another punch to the lower
middle gate, while Practitioner "B" again deflects using
Garn Sao. |
|
2d. |
Practitioner
"B" retaliates with a punch to the head of Practitioner"A",
as Practitioner "A" deflects the blow with Tan Sao. |
|
2e. |
Both
practitioners return to the starting Wu Sao position. |
As
in the parallel arm drill each practitioner takes turns
in position A and B with both sides. Again there are more
advanced versions to be learned when proficiency has been
developed in the basic drill. |
3. |
Double
hand Chi Sao. |
|
|
This
is the most challenging of all the Chi Sao drills, and
requires much greater focus and skill to perform. In double
hand Chi Sao, the Wing Chun student learns to perform
entirely different movements simultaneously with each
hand. The easiest way to accomplish this is by first learning
the arm positions of the routine without a partner. Somewhat
like a form. Then switching the drill to the opposite
sides, to develop ambidextrous ability. Once this is done,
two practitioners can engage in Chi Sao practice. In this
treatise, I will explain the positions as practiced by
a single individual. This type of practice is invaluable
since probably 80% of the time, a practitioner will not
have a partner to train with.
The basic routine is practiced on an eight count.
Starting position: The right hand is held in Tan Sao position
directly under a left Fook Sao. |
|
3a. |
The
Fook Sao position is maintained as the right hand delivers
a forward palm Wu Jeung. |
|
3b. |
The
Fook Sao position is maintained as the right hand returns
to Tan Sao. |
|
3c. |
The
Fook Sao and Tan Sao are maintained. ( At This point a
partner would return to Fook Sao) |
|
3d. |
Fook
Sao is lowered slightly as the Tan Sao rotates to Bon
Sao position directly over the Fook Sao. |
|
3e. |
The
Bon Sao is maintained as the left hand performs Jut Sao. |
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3f. |
The
Bon Sao is maintained as the left hand delivers a straight
punch to the head. |
|
3g. |
The
Bon Sao is maintained as the left hand returns to Fook
Sao position. ( Same as partner in 3c.) |
|
3h. |
Fook
Sao is maintained as Bon Sao rotates back to Tan Sao position.
In each of the stages above, the Wing Chun student first
learns predetermined drills or exercises and then advances
to random applications. Next, the student progresses to
predetermined drills while blindfolded, and at last, to
the most advanced stage of each exercise random while
blindfolded. |
The arm movement's for Chi Sao training are very precise
in both position and application of force applied. These
positions are learned in Shil Lim Tao form. Shil Lim Tao
is prerequisite for Chi Sao training. Without proper understanding
of Shil Lim Tao correct Chi Sao is impossible! |
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