Why Chi Sao Part 2

So as per my last post - Let's take a look at why one would Chi Sao:

Beyond the typical things such as stance training, tactile reflexes, relaxation, etc, chi-sao provides benefits that any competent fighter would want to be able to do.

First, (and simply) chi-sao teaches you to hit. It should teach you not to stick to your opponent and simply to hit the intended target.

Second, chi-sao provides a controlled method to maximize kinetic linking. The upright internal rotation adduction stance (IRAS), does not make for much stability at first and without that foundation, it’s hard to throw a good punch. The constant practice of dealing with absorbing pressure and delivering force from such a stance requires the development of kinetic linking – the ability to link the individual body parts in the most efficient and sufficient way to transfer force. The idea here is that if you can absorb pressure from an upright stance or deliver a good punch from one, then just imagine what you can do with a more conventional right-foot-forward type of stance.

Third, chi-sao, when trained properly, creates an intercepting-effect into every move performed. This is probably one of the most difficult things to achieve and only achieved by a few. I wish there was a better word for this “intercepting-effect”, but in essence, it’s the ability to neutralize the attacker’s forward momentum – it’s analogous to being jammed at every instance when crossing hands with someone of this skill level. Every move, whether defensive or offensive, feels like it’s cutting into your attacking limbs or the spine itself.

This third point is what separates those that have skill vs. those that can apply their skill. Without this ability, much of wing chun is simply theory. It is not something you can learn from a video. This is damn difficult to do and, funnily enough, will require hours upon hours of chi-sao! And not just any chi-sao, but chi-sao with the intent of building this characteristic. This means, one could train chi-sao for years and never come close to this “intercepting-effect” unless such intent was made and the appropriate training methods utilized.

Until then.