WingTsun

Performing the Siu-Nim-Tau correctly – Part 2

This month Dai-Si-Fu Giuseppe Schembri provides hints on performing the fifth and sixth sets of the Siu-Nim-Tau correctly ...

The quality with which the forms are practiced has a major influence on the ability to apply the WT principles in actual combat.
The sequence of movements in the relatively short WingTsun forms is quickly learned, but even masters constantly refine their execution.
Naturally one could discuss countless aspects to which particular attention must be paid when practicing the forms, but the object of this series is not an exhaustive analysis of all the movements in a form. Instead Dai-Sifu Schembri provides examples of important aspects which should be noted.

Siu-Nim-Tau
5th set:

The left hand is opened and a Pak-Sao movement is performed to shoulder width on the right side. The hand is then moved back to the centre and thrust forward along the centre line as a lying palmstrike (Wang Cheung). This is followed by a Huen-Sao movement, then the closed fist is withdrawn with Sao-Kuen. The same sequence is repeated with the right hand.
NOTE: The Pak-Sao to the side commences right from the starting position, as soon as the fist is opened next to the chest. The elbow remains as low as possible throughout the entire sequence.

6th set:
After a left-hand Tan-Sao the elbow sinks to form Jam-Sao, and the hand likewise sinks slightly; the elbow is moved outwards to initiate the Gwat-Sao movement. The entire arm is then raised as Lau-Sao until the hand is at the level of the ear (Ko-Tan-Sao). From there the hand is thrust downward as Dai-Cheung with a lying palm, then the sequence is concluded with Huen-Sao and Sao-Kuen. All the movements are repeated on the right.
NOTE: The transition from Jam-Sao to Gwat-Sao is started by an outward elbow movement. The Gwat-Sao protects the entire half of the body.