An in-depth look at Chi Sau, by Suki Wan

 

'Chi Sau' which translated means 'Sticking Hands' has had much exposure
throughout the world through the Wing Chun System . However besides the
Poon Sau or Lok Sau ( Rolling hands) platform used in most Wing Chun
Systems, there also exist a less well known and obscure platform called
'Teng Sau' which translated mean 'Listening Hands'. This system of Chi
Sau until now has not been widely exposed to the general public, it
roots coming from the Shaolin Ancestors system. Its original conception
designed to control and subdue rather than to strike and maim. Though
more modern versions have been  modified to include more strikes.

As the name suggest the hands are trained in Listening sensitivity,
though that is only half of the picture. Unless one is only defending
the objective of the hands is to confront the opponents energies. If one
can imagine  the strength of opponent's arms as being a current flow of
energy, then the objective is to confront the engaging energy flow by
reactional linking. And once linked one can choose to either Follow,
Neutralise or Disrupt. Once proficient this allows us the ability to
neutralise power on contact. The skill off course lies in being able to
maintain this level of skill throughout the whole period of contact and
within an environment of changing energies. Then the next stage involves
Chin Na (locking) and Ying Yang (Opposing forces) and only then can Gor
Sau (strikes) be executed without a trade off.

 

Next Page