Master Tse’s Wing Chun Note #217

When Smaller People Chī Sáu 黐手

So what should smaller people do during Chī Sáu 黐手? I am normally smaller than my students who I Chi Sáu with. The most important thing is to know how to control the distance myself and my opponent. Either I am at a longer distance so that we cannot reach each other or I can touch them. However if I can touch them then they can also reach me so controlling the inside is vital, particularly the Tāan Sáu 攤手. Always make sure your Tāan Sáu is pointing to your opponent’s throat or even their face. When you are close, never lower your hands unless your opponent pushes your Tāan Sáu down, but then you need to move to a longer distance. Your Bong Sáu also need to be higher, high enough to cover their faces so that your opponent can not see you, tall people do not like this. Of course your Gūng Lihk 功力 also needs to be good as this helps you deal with their strength. Then you can keep stepping forwards until you are close enough to hit them. If your Gūng Lihk is not good enough then you need to keep a good distance and change until we find the right opportunity.