LEVELS OF CHI SAU LEARNING
Hey All,
While teaching, training and continuing to learn, I have found that Chi Sau (Sticky Hands) as from my observation (4) four levels of learning. These four levels that I'm discussing is strictly in the physical sense (kinetic).
Level 1: Hit and Don't Get Hit
In 'Hit and Don't Get Hit' or Level 1, we first explore Chi Sau. As beginners, the game of chi sau is about hitting your partner and trying not to get hit. But in most times we focus on hitting or making contact with our partner while sacrificing our defenses. This is the first, and easiest level to learn. And in many cases we stay at this level the most.
Level 2: Position
At the 'Position' level, we see that not getting hit, is not just about fast hands, but also good positioning. While we may still play at Level 1, we start to explore the power of positioning. We play with footwork, and angling.
Level 3: Controlling/Shutting down/Jamming
In Level 3, we start to look at how we can use position, along with good structure to jam, or shutdown our partner's incoming forces. This level can take years to learn, let alone master. Elements of timing, distancing, sensitivity, balance disruption, and Centerline control are at play. At this level, your partner knows when he's been shutdown or Jammed.
Level 4: Manipulating
At the 'Manipulating' level, the Wing Chun practitioner spends time, not shutting down his opponent with obvious techniques but with subtle manipulation of the incoming forces, and slight changes in positioning and structure. When done properly, the partner can't clearly understand what happened, other than he ended up in the wrong spot. At this level it appears that Hitting and not getting hit is not objective, but the focused study of incoming force and how to manipulate it.
During a person's lifetime of learning, one will bounce back and forth from the different levels, particularly if one is focused on learning the lessons at each level. And from what I can tell, it requires good partners that want to learn those same lessons in order to understand. And as the eternal student, I don't think one can force how fast you can learn each level. It requires that "Eureka I found it!" moment.
Until Next time.
Keep Training, Keep Learning!
