Complete Wing Chun. Robert Chu

      Yee jee dao, parallel obstructing knives.

      Tan Jaam Dao, dispersing and slashing maneuver.

      Bong dao, wing knife.

      Kwun dao, a combination of tan and bong knife.

      Gaun dao, cultivating knife.

      Tan dao/wang chit, dispersing knife and horizontal slash.

      Jaam dao, slashing knives.

      Biu dao, darting knife.

      Dan chi sao (single sticking hands) is a basic exercise which teaches the changes of tan sao, bong sao, and fook sao. This exercise can be varied with the positions of running up and down the bridge of the opponent. Dan chi sao makes defenses strong; develops proper positioning of tan sao, bong sao, and fook sao; develops timing while sticking; develops stance and structure; and develops proper elementary defense for chi sao.

      Luk sao (rolling hands) is a maneuver designed to develop a student’s sensitivity. Luk sao is the backbone of chi sao. Students learn to maintain the structure and stance during the luk sao exercise and vary the pressure (i.e., light vs. heavy), and the “running” of the hands. Mastery of running of the hands is important in learning how to cross the bridges. Luk sao develops the four major gate positions, which allow partners to create a bridge and the feeling of intention in the bridges. One develops proper coordination between tan sao, bong sao, fook sao, and the clean flow of techniques.

      Seung chi sao (double sticking hands) is a drill in which the elements of Wing Chun are taught in a living laboratory or clinic. Through luk sao, students can learn to apply the movements taught in the three empty-hand sets and the wooden man set. It is known that when Yip Man taught chi sao, his students would always be gently falling backwards or forwards and unable to control their center of gravity. Yip Man would constantly have the students up on their heels or on the balls of their feet, while controlling their every movement. Some sources mention that Yip Man never bothered to touch hands with his students. This gave a great insight into the character of Yip Man. If he liked a student, he would do chi sao with them; if he didn’t, he would pay no attention to them.

      In chi sao, it is most important that the student learn to control his opponents’ bridges and to set them up for the next shot. With chi sao, a practitioner learns to strike when an opponent’s intention is not there, and to stay wary and mindful of one’s own situation; to recognize opportunity, and become sensitive to it; the three major components of tools, timing, and positioning; and lastly, experience. Experience gives one the ability to recognize other avenues when before there seemed to be none. Advanced practitioners will practice chi sao while blindfolded, and with all the empty-hand tools, including the hands, feet, knees, elbows, and head. Chi sao practice helps to merge concept with practice. Often, students are advised: “Chi sao mo lien fa sik” (There are no flowery techniques in sticky hands practice”). Chi sao is the means to develop the most efficient way to strike an opponent. To utilize fancy techniques is to waste time and render the techniques inefficient.

      Chi gerk (sticking legs) is a study by some of Yip Man’s students on developing sensitivity with the legs. The principles of the Wing Chun hands also pertain to the legs. For example, the “asking hand” and “guard hand” techniques become the “asking foot” and “guard foot” techniques, and tan sao, bong sao, and fook sao can be done with the legs as well.

      Chi gerk training allows one to isolate leg training and to develop balance, endurance, and tactile sensitivity with them. During chi gerk practice, one discovers that each step in Wing Chun is a potential kick. Chi gerk also teaches to alternate the legs, to trap an opponents kick, and to “kick at the post” (e.g., attack the opponent’s supporting leg). It develops whole body coordination and combinations of hand and foot techniques. It trains the mind to subconsciously react with feeling; and to develop the balanced use of fifty percent hands and feet. Yip Man Wing Chun has the saying “gerk mo hui faat” (the kick does not miss), which means to kick only when necessary and when one knows that it will score.

      San sao (free fighting) trains the applications of Wing Chun techniques. San sao training gives the student a way to customize their own Wing Chun, develop confidence in their abilities when facing an opponent, and explore how to take the correct angle of entry.

      CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES

      Wing Chun is a martial art that is based on principles and concepts rather than just techniques alone.

      Jung sien dui ying (centerline facing principle), also commonly referred to as the saggital plane, central line, mother line, middle line is the cornerstone principle of Wing Chun. By adhering to the centerline principle, the Wing Chun practitioner has occupied the optimal position from which to defend or attack. Thus, the centerline principle forms the basis for the study of proper positioning. By positioning and correctly aligning the anatomical tools in the centerline, the manifestation of power and force is maximized. Finally, the centerline principle defines the effective limit and the power path of each movement, and the areas protected by conceptual shielding.