Red5Angel wrote: "Once the gap is closed, you are looking for contact."
Once the gap is closed I'm looking to hit. So yes, contact! I'm not looking to bridge arms. If my opponent stops my attack (or if I deflect his), I'm then looking to strip down that bridge while I attack with other hand (or maybe with my feet).
I understand what you're saying about sensitivity, but in the street I'm not looking to tie-up my opponent's arms or assume a position like in poon sau... my first issue is to... err... issue. I want the strike first.
The level of bridge contact should, IMHO, be minimal. Chi Sau is a vital drill, but I have to ask Red, when someone's swinging in with hooks and jabs, and is intent on taking off your head, how much 'sensitivity' are you using to deal with the first punch?
Just a question.
There was a thread many moons ago about trapping. Trapping and detaining is often seen in Chi Sau. But again, initially, are we looking to trap or looking to hit?
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