Four Fundamental Shapes
Chi Sau can have infinite variations and countless techniques. There are innumerable different methods of attack and defence. If we focus on the individual techniques we will never learn very much. Instead, we should understand the fundamental positions from which all attacks and defences originate, and perfect these fundamental shapes. If we can become proficient with the basics, the complicated things will take care of themselves.
The following descriptions of the basic shapes of Chi Sau are intended to be concise and actionable. There are of course further intricacies to every move but we are concerned only with the simplest basics here. The importance of the fundamental shapes cannot be overstated. A wise student would do well to pay dedicated attention to their mastery of the basic shapes.
Tan Sau
When rolling, the Tan Sau should not be dropped too low, and the fingers must be pointing towards the opponent. Force produced by the Bong to Tan movement is directed towards the opponent. The movement should finish in a position where the Tan Sau is controlling the centreline. If the Tan Sau is in the right position, any pressure the opponent applies should be directed downwards into your stance instead of pulling your shoulder. The opponent should not be able to hit over the top or uproot you. You can also roll up into Bong Sau from Tan Sau.
Bong Sau
When rolling, one should make sure to do the full range of motion from Tan Sau to Bong Sau. Force produced by the Tan to Bong movement is directed towards the opponent. Fingers should be pointing forwards. If the opponent applies pressure to the Bong Sau, you can re-direct the pressure left or right by pivoting or redirecting with the Bong Sau in the appropriate direction. The opponent should not be able to uproot you or strike through your Bong Sau. You can also roll down into Tan Sau from Bong Sau.
Low Fook Sau
When rolling, one should make sure that the force produced by the movement from High Fook Sau to Low Fook Sau is directed towards the opponent. The Low Fook Sau should finish in a position where it is controlling the centreline and the opponent’s Tan Sau. If the opponent’s Tan Sau is deficient, one can strike through by turning the Low Fook Sau into a punch. If the opponent’s Tan Sau is strong, any pressure the opponent applies should be dealt with by redirecting with Wu Sau, Pak Sau or Huen Sau, or pivoting.
High Fook Sau
When rolling, one should make sure that the force produced by the movement from Low Fook Sau to High Fook Sau is directed towards the opponent. The High Fook Sau should finish with the upper arm almost parallel to the ground, and the elbow and forearm should be vertical. The elbow should be aiming upwards towards the opponent. If the opponent’s Bong Sau is deficient, the High Fook Sau should uproot them. Any pressure applied against the High Fook Sau should be redirected upwards or dealt with by rolling downwards to Low Fook Sau. High Fook Sau can also transform into a Bong Sau after an upwards redirection.
If the Four Fundamental Shapes can be mastered, one should have no difficulty defending any attack in Chi Sau. Once defence is simple and effortless, attacking will be obvious and techniques will be natural and spontaneous.