In both Poon Sau and Luk Sau you have been maintaining constant contact with your partner’s arms. The four drills in this section prepares you for true Chi Sau by introducing concepts relating to breaking contact and re-establishing contact. While still maintaining a perfect Luk Sau cycle, you’re going to learn how to use Jow Sau or Running Hands to break away, and Jip Sau or Catching Hands to re-connect with your partner after he runs.
This section also introduces the concepts of attack and defense in Chi Sau. At the Dan Chi Sau (Single Sticking Hands) level we introduced the concept of the Close Range Clash. An assault has taken place and the initial attack has been blocked or obstructed. Rather than the two fighters being stuck in a static position the way it is shown in traditional forms and katas, this moment is dynamic. The two fighters are crashing into each other, with the hands in constant motion seeking an opening to attack. What happens in the space of the next heartbeat will likely determine the outcome of the fight.
Chi Sau is a unique training format that prepares you for the dynamic, high-pressure and high-speed situation of the Close Range Clash. As those forearms smash together, you will be listening for position, tension, structure and movement. Something that your attacker does will indicate what move you need to make. If you listen, your attacker will tell you how to defeat him.
In these four drills, we are going to isolate two indicators that will be your trigger to break contact and run the hands. Every Jow Sau run is a transition from the clash to an attack. At the same time, we will be learning to recognize the attack and respond by transitioning from one defensive motion to another, intercepting or catching the attack with Jip Sau. The four drills will make this simple idea progressively more subtle and more complex.
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