Chi Sao

[pstevens]

Chi Sao, is that a dish?...

JK... I have minimal chi sao training. In college there was a WC school right across the street and I knew a couple guys who went there. They taught me the principles: sensitivity, sticking with the hands to anticipate your opponent's movements, and trapping to create openings. It's about "feeling" your opponent.

In all honestly, chi sao is just an exercise. The range in which is performed is very hard to maintain in actual combat. There's something to be gained, but I wouldn't make it a focal point of combat training.

[Hardball]

Hey, how come you guys haven't discussed Chi Sao recently? With all the Kung Fu Talk and CMA talk it makes me wonder if Chi Sao is a useful exercise? Do you practice it in the traditional way? Do you modify it? What are the benefits/drawbacks of practicing Chi Sao? Thanks