Chi Sau (黐 手) — often translated as “Sticking Hands” — is one of the most essential and unique training methods in Wing Tsun/Wing Chun. It teaches practitioners to develop tactile sensitivity, reflexes, control, and adaptability in close-quarters combat through constant contact with an opponent’s arms. The idea is not to grab, but to maintain light, dynamic contact, feeling and responding to your partner’s energy and intention in real time.
Chi Sau is not sparring or a form of combat in itself — it’s a sensitivity drill designed to cultivate the tools and timing needed for real fighting. It is often misunderstood as a contest but it is not a contest of dominance or brute strength however, its value lies in refining perception, structure, and adaptability. Practicing with the right mindset is essential to developing the true skills that Wing Tsun offers.
1. Prioritize Learning Over Winning
Approach each exchange with the intention to understand, not to defeat your partner.
Let go of ego; if your structure collapses or you’re hit, view it as feedback, not failure.
Focus on the quality of your technique and accuracy of your response, rather than who lands more hits.
4. Maintain Constant Forward Energy
Chi Sau is not passive — there’s always intent and structure behind every movement.
Your energy should flow forward — not as a push, but as living intent aimed through the centerline.
This forward pressure helps detect changes in your partner’s structure or openings.
2. Develop Listening Energy (“Ting Jing”)
Chi Sau trains your ability to feel and respond, not anticipate or guess.
Cultivate a calm, neutral state — sensitive, but not reactive.
Stay relaxed so you can “listen” through your arms, feeling pressure shifts, tension, or gaps.
5. Practice with Control and Respect
Don’t try to overpower your partner or make it overly competitive — this turns the drill into a brawl and defeats its purpose.
Use controlled strikes and traps to allow each other to train safely and effectively.
Communicate with your partner and adjust intensity based on mutual comfort and skill level.
3. Stay Relaxed but Rooted
Tension dulls sensitivity. Stay loose in the arms and shoulders while maintaining root and structure in your stance.
The more relaxed you are, the faster and more naturally you’ll react.
6. Focus on Timing, Structure, and Flow
Don’t chase hands. Instead, let your structure handle the pressure and allow movements to emerge naturally and efficiently.
Train how to flow from one technique to another without stiffness or hesitation.
Stay rooted and centered even under pressure or rapid attacks.
NZWTA Chi Sau Practise Principles
GUIDELINE FOR STICKY HAND PRACTISE
- 莫 貪 打 (Mok Tam Da) – Do not be greedy to strikes
- 莫 亂 打 (Mok Luen Da) – Do not strike out indiscriminately
- 莫 怕 打 (Mok Paa Da) – Do not be afraid to get hit
MINDSET FOR WING TSUN PRACTISE
- 舍 力 (Se Lik) – to give up your own strength
- 卸 力 (Se Lik) – to re-direct your opponent’s incoming force
- 借 力 (Jie Lik) – to borrow your opponent’s energy