Wing Chun Sticky Hand Training

Chi Sao, the Sticky Hand Training, is a unique training method of Wing Chun. It is comparable to the sparring training of other martial art disciplines and the push hand training of Tai Chi. Sticky Hand Training is a core course for Wing Chun students. After familiarizing with the three basic forms, Siu Nim Tao, Chum Kiu, Biu Ji and the wooden dummy routine, students can beginning this important training under the provision of qualified masters.

The beginning of Chi Sao training is a single handed routine, gradually move on to random double handed sticky hand. Under proper instructions, the students can effectively develop hand and arm sensibility, flexibility and reflex. It also trains up the student to understand and use the main principle of Wing Chun, which is to fight hardness with softness, to direct opponent's force against oneself. The training introduces the different hand techniques, standing form and the way to deliver forces and power. Students are able to freely manipulate fist, palm, finger, forearm, wrist and elbow, combined with waist and leg to generate effective attacks and blocks.

Chi Sao is an important sparring lesson any serious Wing Chun learner should not miss. The main purpose of the training is to practically understand, absorb and express the skills they learn from the standard forms and routines. Through repetitions, students can familiarize with the 8 basic hand moves, elbow techniques, central line attacks, how to occupy the centre and guard the centre. In the training, students are required to remember the principles of Wing Chun, how to direct opponent's power rather than facing it straightly. It should be avoided to uses energy ineffectively like in arm wrestling. Until the student can do all that like a second nature and to use the Wing Chun techniques with muscle memory, he is well prepared to go into real combat situations.

Many martial art teachers teach fixed routines and hope that the students could use them in real situation. They focus on imaginary situations and step by step instructions. But unless a person can familiarize himself with any kind of situation, it is impossible for him to react properly in real combat. The sticky hand training virtualizes such situation and prepares the students with the proper reactions. Although there are many different hand movements and advice on what one should do when the opponent does something, until one could experience and practically use it, they will continue to be merely words.

Source : ezinearticles