Kwan Sau, Lap Sau, and Paak Sau

I believe my favorite (in my current level of training) is Kwan Sau, which is a combination of Taan Sau and low Bong Sau together. My reflexes aren’t what id like them to be, so the Kwan Sau is often relied upon. Kwan Sau is useful when I’m uncertain if an attack is coming low or high, because it covers both. I’m also very fond of Lap Sau, which may be used to clear a path to punch, or even stabilize the opposition before punch…however the most commonly used block, as with many, is the Paak Sau. A lot of people Paak Sau way too hard, so that it makes a sharp slapping noise that can be heard across the room. They think that sound is the character of good Paak Sau. I believe this is False. Good Wing Chun is subtle, not forceful. Paak Sau should aim towards the centerline and not chase the opponents hand. It should make a light but firm contact, sliding up the arm to the elbow, and if it’s aimed up the line of attack, it should deflect the punch wonderfully, without alerting the opposition that he’s been blocked. A “true” Paak Sau is difficult to master, thus many “skilled” practitioners use the hard slapping method. === Comment by Rob: Where I use to train, I remember hearing a lot of those loud slapping sounds. I think part of it was ignorance (sifu didn’t really say anything about it at the time) and part of it was for fun. We loved to bruise up the other guy’s arm, and make it bright red by the time class was over. But you’re right, when you figure out the Pak Sau, it really is a lot more subtle than you first think. It’s more a “guiding/deflecting” hand, than a “slapping” hand. Download videos that sharpen your Wing Chun skills