Originally Posted by
Paddington
I agree LFG, the tan sau can collapse under the force of powerful 'round' punches. As you suggest, in the tan sau shape the bicep is activated slightly and this, IMO, contributes to the possibility of the shape collapsing when under pressure.
I find, and so do others I train with, a biu sau perhaps better than a tan. Mind you, it may be a biu that you are not used to; make a tan then rotate the forearm unil the palm is facing down. The elbow can move out a little too if needed. You can actually feel the bicep switch off as you rotate into the biu postion.
I find this biu like structure strong and very much less likely to collapse, particularly if used with a turn. That said, I do agree with others who suggest that tight hooks are had to defend like this but the haymakers, perhaps not