Chi Sao

[dzu]

What is your approach to chi sao?

Do you have a lot of drills, very few drills, a standard 'chi sao' curriculum, no curriculum, etc.?

Why do you train this particular way?

Dzu

[Martial Joe]

I cant say I dont do drills but I dont do drills...get it?


Chi Sau on the other hand is one of the things my sifu and I do the most other then forms...

I aproach chi sau trying to get better at it!!!

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I am Sharky's main man...

[Martial Joe]

Yes that is blunt but I will say alot more when I have time...I have to go now...

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I am Sharky's main man...

[Sihing73]

Hi Dzu,

While I was in Wing Tsun we had seven sections of Chi Sau. Each section stressed a different type of energy and response to such. They were designed to build from the ground up and to eventualy become a free flowing exchange without any pre-arranged "sections".

I now have most likely forgotten all but a few sections as I don't train with them anymore. Instead, I usually practice Chi Sau without feeding anything to my partner but accept what he/she gives me and respond to their actions and energy. I find that I am able to adapt fairly quickly to what I am given and that the opponent/partner usually provides the means for his/her own downfall. When training with someone of a similiar mind it is an interesting game which tests not only skill in Chi Sau but body positioning and patieince as well.

In the beginning it is important, IMHO, to have a set curriculim of specific movements and reactions to them. Once a student becomes familiar with the basic simplistic movements of Dan Chi Sau then one adds stepping and turning to them. Then progress to two handed Chi Sau and remain in a static stance until a certain level of comfort is gained. Once accomplished add in the stance turning and stepping again. Finally, begin without contact and step into an attack and go into 'Chi Sau" once a bridge is established.

In the very start it is essential to fully break down the individual movements of each part, Fook/Jum/Palm and Taun/Palm/Bong. A fully understanding of what each movement can accomplish at various positions, for example experiment with Taun with a 45' bend, a more flat angle etc. Play with the energy and get a feel for what can be done and why.

As an example, my Sifu, Chung Kwok Chow, has broken the movements of Dan Chi Sau into the following:
1) Taun Sau
2) Turn wrist so that the fingers are pointing upward.
3) Strike with the Palm
4) Relax and follow the opponents punch to become Bong Sau.

The above represents one side of the equation. However it serves to illustrate the Yin/Yang nature of Chi Sau. After each part where energy is exerted there is a point of relaxation in preparation for the next point of exertion.

Thanks for the time :)

Peace,

Dave

[S.Teebas]

I dont do any drills at all. (have done in that past, but no longer)

I practice chi sau as a single idea and build upon it each lesson. It is easier to progress this way (for me) because i dont have to think about trying to incorporate drills while sparing. Just to incorporate the idea. Because the system is based on principles that is how i train it...and as i understand the principles better, my chi sau improves (hopefully!) :)

S.Teebas