Performing the Chum-Kiu correctly (Part 4)
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.
It is not the purpose of this series to analyse all the movements in a form as exhaustively as possible. Instead Dai-Sifu Schembri gives examples of important aspects which should be noted.
Chum-Kiu
3rd part:
Turn to the left from IRAS (Juen-Ma), then perform a stamping kick to the front (Ching-San-Guek) with the left leg parallel to the ground and the heel thrust forward. The shoulders should not move during the kick.
Once the leg is fully extended it is set down vertically to the front. Draw your entire bodyweight after it with the rear leg (Dap-Bo) while performing a double low Bong-Sao (Dai-Bong-Sao). Change to a double Tan-Sao (Shang-Tan-Sao) after the step. Repeat the Bong-Tan-Sao sequence a total of three times and end with a low Bong-Sao.
After the third Dai-Bong-Sao, a short forward step is performed with the left leg. Then bring the right foot up next to the left and raise both arms to perform a double Man-Sao, with the backs of the hands touching and the fingers pointing upwards. This movement must take place at the same time as the feet come together.
Both arms are then jerked downwards to form a double shock hand (Shang-Jut-Sao), with the power coming from the elbows. Both palms are then thrust forward for a double vertical palm-strike (Shang-Tui-Cheung). When both arms are fully extended, drop the hands and perform an upward circular movement with them from inside to outside (Oi-Huen-Sao). The fists are then withdrawn (Sao-Kuen) and the right foot is placed behind the left foot (Dao-Dap-Bo). Then turn by 180° and repeat all the movements to the right.
REMEMBER: When moving to Tan-Sao from the double low Bong-Sao, make sure that you do not withdraw your elbows.
The change from the double low Bong-Sao to double Man-Sao must take place as the feet come together. All the movements end at the same moment.
Hint: Imagine that your arms are linked to your rear leg by a thread. When the arms are raised, the leg moves forward.
Note: A detailed description of the Chum-Kiu form with numerous photos may be found in “Chum-Kiu – The intermediate WingTsun kungfu set“ by Grandmaster Leung Ting.