Using Tan Sau
Tan Sau is one of the main basic positions in Wing Chun, the basic translation mean ‘receiving hand. You will see the use of Tan Sau predominantly in Siu Nim Tao (the first empty hand form).
The technique, when broken down involves keeping correct elbow position and alignment, relative to the opponent. It is important that the Tan Sau has forward movement so that it meets and deflects an attack. Without the proper understanding of this technique people tend to either “slap” the arm down on to the incoming punch or have no forward structure so that the arm will collapse when put under any real pressure.
The use of Tan Sau is really dictated by the attacking punch coming in, having said that to deliver a good Tan Sau + turning punch you require good knowledge of both the Tan Sau, punch, the Wing Chun footwork and the principles behind them all.
The Tan Sau technique must never go past the stopping point, a position learned and mastered when learning your Siu Nim Tao. When traveling forwards with your Tan Sau, make sure your fingers are together, but relaxed, your thumb is tucked in over the palm of your hand but not touching the palm.
There is no use of the shoulder muscles when performing the turning Tan Sau to shove or push the punch off the centre line, this is a mistake that I see students new to the Wing Chun system do and is very easy to know who is doing this, just look for students rubbing their shoulders after a drilling the turning Tan Sau for a few minutes.
The power or strength of the Tan Sau comes from the positioning of the “fixed” elbow position, and its triangle structure. As a guide, the fixed” elbow position should be one fist distance from the chest. The centre of the wrist should be on your own personal centre line and when receiving a punch the Tan Sau turns with you as you perform your turning Tan Sau punch, thus, you deflect the oncoming force and borrow this force when turning and punching driving more power in to your defensive attack.
Sifu Alan:
Wing Chun Halesowen’s Instructor, Sifu Alan has been involved in martial arts since 1992. Sifu Alan holds a Level 2 Coaches Certificate through the BCCMA, and has a passion and dedication for the passing on of the martial art of Wing Chun. Sifu Alan offers a unique approach to learning, utilising aspects of both physical and psychological aspects of training to help the student fully understand the reasons behind their training. Sifu Alan does not want the “copy as I do” approach, he wants his students to know, feel and understand what they can do within the Wing Chun System.
Sifu Alan is CRB checked and registered to work with children and young adults.
MIDLANDS WING CHUN KUEN – Director: Grandmaster Ip Chun, Chief Instructor: Si-Fu S. Rawcliffe All Midlands Wing Chun Kuen Instructors are Registered Members of: British Council for Chinese Martial Arts (BCCMA), Sports Coach UK ~ The National Coaching Foundation and Ving Tsun Athletic Association in Hong Kong.