About
Wing Chun is a Martial Art (or Martial Skill) that originated from Southern China nearly 300 years ago. The efficacy of the system relies on the practitioner's ability to direct incoming force through his/her body into the ground providing 'strength' in the form of rooting/structure, while at the same time using optimum angles & distance control to deal with incoming attacks and achieve superior positions from which to launch simultaneous strikes.The Wing Chun practitioner's primary goal is to ensure that their own position/stance is balanced and rooted. The second goal is to disrupt their opponent's balance and grounding thus opening up their defence and neutralising effective attacks.The Centreline (CL) theory is at the heart of Wing Chun practice. The CL is defined as an invisible line (or vertical plane) that connects the core (a vertical, pivoting/axis line which runs through the centre of the body) of one practitioner to another. Both practitioners aim to control this line or 'plane' as it prevents the other from launching effective strikes, while at the same time gives the first the optimum position from which to attack. If one loses control of the CL one must attempt to regain it immediately and the skills required to do this are learned through Sticking Hands (Chi Sau).
STICKING HANDS (Chi Sau):
Chi Sau is a 2 person training exercise synonymous to Wing Chun. It is the platform on which to develop, experiment and experience the practical applications of Wing Chun concepts and theory.
The practitioners contact each other at the arms/wrists and 'roll' through three elemental hand positions: Bong Sau, Tan Sau & Fook Sau. The practice of Chi Sau develops one in the following ways:
Sensitivity, timing & reflexes - Wing Chun concepts and skill rely on a practitioner's ability to be able to sense the degree and direction of an opponent's incoming force/attack. Sensitivity in the arms refers to the ability to detect and react to even the most subtle directions and angles of an incoming force, also the ability to be able to change (when required) in response to these forces - this allows one to react (without thinking) in the appropriate way. Chi Sau teaches one to flow and not be stiff as this telegraphs one's movements - the lighter the contact the more sensitive the arms will be. The more sensitivity you develop the faster your reactions will be.
To summarise: Chi Sau sharpens the reflexes which enable you to make the correct response to a particular situation in a split second without hesitation and the need for consideration.
Structural integrity - Your power comes from the ability to root and sink your stance appropriately holding a flexible, braced positon - this underpins all of the above. During Chi Sau it gives one a chance to respond to one's opponents force correctly directing force through ones body into the ground while under constant pressure. One of the primary goals is to disrupt the integrity of your opponent's structure and balance.
Forward, springy energy - This is a prying force where you are like a coiled spring that when released moves forward, in this way you do not have to think to react. The force should be subtle and relentless and directed at the opponent's centreline. The forward, springy energy in one's elbows ensure this constant pry as well as the braced, rooted stance as briefly described above.
As well as 3 empty-handed forms, a 'Wooden Dummy' form and 2 weapon forms there are many supplementary training drills (some solo and some with a partner) that allow the practitioner to experience and feel - without the 'fear' of being hit.