Originally Posted by
Jake104
If chi Sao in your lineage is not about the center line why chi sAo then? There are plenty of other ways to develop sensitivity.
Jake104 excellent question...There are different variation of chi sau we utilize but most basic level is not about having your arms in so close no one can slip in...Although I can do both. On the basic level we are taught to be open. So we can feel the holes and learn to still our opponents opening. Later on we learn how to close the holes...Basically what you would call centerline in chi sau...But even when you have your hands close. I can still snake in an Strike your throat...i dont care how good you roll. i can still poke your adams apple if i choose to do so...Also i can still slide in an PE Fist your sternum or diaphram. But i digress. Chi Sao isnt for fighting. We add elements of fighting in entry level sparring. entry level sparring or what we call WC sparring or inclose sparring is not Full sparring or freestyle sparring...its basically where you are allowed to use more elements of the WC an learn how to use them at a close contact with out rolling.
But let me answer your question...Chi sau is about sensitivity. learning how to redirect force, learning how to feel your opponents intent, learning how to trap, control, and grapple while striking simultaneously. Its about learning how to use your elements of Ma Form and Sil Lim Tao...You really don't start seeing elements of Chum Kiu and stepping moves of Sup Yee San Sik until you start doing free movement sparring. Structure is drilled during Partner drills, Gung Lik exercises, and also San Sik drills as well as stationary and free motion sparring. We separate the two sparring and chi sau because we want you to gleam different things from your WC training...Eventually after about a year of training you should be able to freestyle spar...Which is really what matters because WC sparring is cool but its not Freestyle...freestyle sparring means anything goes be it muay thai, kick boxijng, boxing, sand da, WC or what ever....The WC we do is geared towards being able to fight non-wing chun people...So we have a different approach...Our chi sau is softer, more fluent, we are not technique based with chi sau...Its purely free style chi sau. Technique based applications comes from drills and solo practice. Chi Sau for us is about using your natural spirit to conqeror yourself and let go of your will! Follow your oppnent for his intent speaks to you!
The Flow is relentless like a raging ocean with crashing waves devasting anything in its path.
"Kick Like Thunder, Strike Like Lighting, Fist Hard as Stones."
"Wing Chun flows around overwhelming force and finds openings with its constant flow of forward energy."
"Always Attack, Be Aggressive always Attack first, Be Relentless. Continue with out ceasing. Flow Like Water, Move like the wind, Attack Like Fire. Consume and overwhelm your Adversary until he is No More"