"Chain Punching" is not a WCK technique, per se...
There is chaining and there is punching. Chain punching is simply a way to "chain" punches together--to make them flow like water. The CP drill is also a kind of sub-form and an exercise that incorporates many of the core movements/concepts in the system.
"Chaining" is a method for placing a sequence of very closely spaced strikes and clearing actions together--strike goes out, clear goes back, on the centerline. The purpose: To learn the *basics* of controlling and attacking the centerline.
It is used for simultaneous offensive and defensive purposes, and often as a finishing move, most often seen with punches but used with palms, spear hands and chops as well.
The general action of occupying the line with both hands, attacking on the line with one hand and withdrawing on the line with the other while keeping both hands close to the opponent is consistent with much of how Wing Chun operates with many of the hand actions.
The CP drill helps beginning students learn how to occupy the line--clear the line and attack on the line all at the same time--it helps students learn how to punch, how to let the joints loosen up and how to generate WCK arm power and energy.
Within these movements you can see centerline occupation, attacking the line, bi-directional energy, hand replacement, clearing and hitting, etc.. But this does not mean that you can be an overnight terror using CPs.. You have to have the "meat", skills and attributes to make any WCK trap, control, strike, or series of strikes “work”.
It is sad that Chain punching is what the whole world thinks WCK is.. This is because "chain punching is what "white belts" do--it's ALL they do...
Nothing wrong with punching, nothing wrong with Chaining but as I said.. "Chain Punching" is not a singular technique--to be used as a "running egg-beater attack" or technique to be taken as is, unless you have nothing better..
Most folks also clearly have no idea how to sync their body mechanics and their "chaining" together.. The hands spin around at a million miles an hour with no body connection and/or they use the "running egg-beater attack" with full body momentum as they “run” in; This is not how one applies body connection and body unity with “chaining”..
In short there is no such thing as "chain punching" in and of itself as a stand alone "cure all" WCK technique o doom
Jim Hawkins
M Y V T K F
"You should have kicked him in the ball_..."—Sifu