Chi Sao or Sticking Hands

Chi Sao is an exercise in Wing Chun and Wing Chun Do. Literally translated, it means "sticky hands." It is an exercise wherein one touches hands with an opponent, and defends onesself, at the same time, sensing weaknesses and openings in an opponent, and attacking should such openings exist. Chi Sao builds sensitivity, allowing one to fight and flow from any form of contact situation. Very proficient chi sao practitioners do chi sao blindfolded. Theoretically, therefore, one learns how to fight without the use of the eyes, and with only sensitivity.

There are many kinds of attacks possible within the chi sao training system. Most of these occur when the opponent has made an error in his/her defensive system. If there are no errors in your basic positions and feeling, then every attack attempt can easily be neutralized and countered.

Wing Chun and Wing Chun Do are trapping systems. We trap our opponents usually upon contact, so that they are unable to make counter-attacks. Upon contact, therefore, we seek to trap our opponent's arms or body. Chi Sao builds sensitivity and spontaneity, building up our trapping skills.

Note that all the counters and defensive movements use deflection. In Wing Chun Do, we never use force against force. Techniques must work against any opponent, no matter how strong or large they are.

1. He attempts to slap and hit

2. Slap is deflected and she traps the opponent. She then does a counter punch

1. He attacks with an elbow

2. Her body shifts to deflect the elbow attack

3. Once the elbow has been deflected aside, various counter-attacks are possible. Here, for example, she follows up with temple punch

1. He grabs and punches her

2. She deflects the punch and sets him up for the trap

3. She executes the "trap," leaving her attacker's hands trapped. He is now at her mercy, making him open and vulnerable to any counter-attack from her