Wing Chun: Chi Sao, Also Known As Sticky Hands
As most of you know, before developing Jeet Kune Do (Way of the intercepting fist) Bruce Lee started his martial arts training in Hong Kong under the highly acclaimed kung fu instructor, Ip Man, in the style of Wing Chun, as described in “Introducing Wing Chun“.
One exercise that you practice to improve your sensitivity, reflexes and the way you absorb and send back offensive energy is known as Chi Sao or sticky hands.
When I was training in Wing Chun years ago, Chi Sao was referred to as ‘thinking without thinking’.
Perfecting Chi Sao will help you become a well-rounded fighter.
I will also tell you from my personal experience that for a beginner and even at an intermediate level it can be one of the most frustrating martial arts training experiences. When you think you got, you don’t!
Chi Sao does not replace sparring and fighting. It simply complements these disciplines and what I have noticed is that the best Wing Chun practitioners are all really good at Chi Sao.
There is a saying in Wing Chun, “Stay with what comes, follow as it retreats, thrust forward as the hand is freed.”
Hope you enjoy every second of the video. The lines are open for your comments 24/7.
10 Comments to Wing Chun: Chi Sao, Also Known As Sticky Hands
I attented a seminar years ago run by a Master Ram, an Indian guy who was very proficent in Wing Chung. he demonstrated sticking hands while blind folded and he was brilliant at it. Difficult to learn though, as you say.
TigerJanuary 15, 2010
Thanks for sharing your experience, Neal.
Master Ram must be pretty good.
Reading your valued comment got me thinking
if doing chi sao blindfolded might even be help
improve one’s skills at this ‘insane’ exercise. Hmm.
Anyway, always good to hear from you.
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TigerJanuary 16, 2010
Glad you enjoyed the post.
Stay tuned for more.
Thanks again.
Good brief and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Gratefulness you seeking your information.
TigerFebruary 1, 2010
Thanks for your kind comment.
I’m glad the post was helpful.
Good luck with your assignment.
Keep me posted if you like.
I must say this is a great collection of clips on Chi Sao. It shows all the different styles and approaches, which is nice to see.
Re: blindfolded Chi Sao, its actually much eaiser than with your eyes open, you can feel the direct and energy of your partner much better.
But chi sao is only part of our training. Learning to judge distance and deal with punches from a far is equally as important. Even learning how to apply chi sao or getting into contact without being punched in the face is more important to focus on at times.
Just a thought. Keep up the good work!!!
TigerFebruary 8, 2010
Thank you very much for your valued and very valid comments.
And I also agree that being blindfolded and doing Chi Sao, one certainly increases one’s sensitivity to feel the partner’s energy.
Very good insight from you.
Thanks again.
How effective is Wing Chun against other martial arts such as Brazilian Jiujitsu, muay thai etc? I’ve heard good and bad about it, good one from people who trained it, bad from people who don’t know anything about Wing Chun, and they just think it won’t work in fighting event such as ufc.
TigerSeptember 24, 2010
You got it, Bryan.
I guess the style can have an effect on the outcome, but I think it’s more about the fighter per se who will decide the outcome of a fight.
Further, I still believe Wing Chun offers a lot than can be applied and integrated in the arsenal of any successful fighter.
Thanks for writing in.
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January 15, 2010