What is Tan Sau in Wing Chun? (Simple Beginner Explanation)

Tan Sau is one of the core hand shapes in Wing Chun. It teaches how to redirect incoming pressure with relaxed structure, rather than force, and it is one of the first building blocks of effective close range training.

If you are new to Wing Chun, understanding Tan Sau early helps everything else make more sense, from centreline control to partner drills.

What this actually means in real training

Tan Sau is often translated as a dispersing or receiving hand.

In practice, it is not a block.

It is a way of using alignment, timing, and sensitivity to guide pressure away from your centreline while staying balanced and ready to respond.

Tan Sau is trained slowly at first, so students learn the feeling of correct structure rather than rushing into speed.

Over time, it becomes part of natural defensive movement, not a separate technique.

Common worries beginners have, and the truth

Beginners often worry that they are doing Tan Sau wrong because it feels too simple.

The truth is that simplicity is the point.

Tan Sau is not about muscle or strength.

It is about positioning, relaxation, and understanding where your arms should be in relation to your body.

Another common worry is thinking Tan Sau should stop an attack completely.

In Wing Chun, Tan Sau is usually part of a sequence, it redirects, creates an opening, and allows the next action.

A simple way to practise or prepare at home

A useful beginner practice is to stand in your basic stance and slowly raise Tan Sau into position without tension.

• Keep your shoulder relaxed.
• Keep your elbow connected, not flared outward or pushed inwards.
• Focus on feeling stable through your stance, with calm breathing.
• Even a few minutes of slow practice helps build awareness and control.
• The goal is not speed.
• The goal is correct structure.

How we approach it at WCKUK

At WCKUK, Tan Sau is taught as a principle, not a trick.

Students learn it through foundation training, early partner drills, and within Siu Nim Tao.

We focus on helping beginners understand why the shape exists, how it supports centreline awareness, and how it develops sensitivity over time.

Tan Sau is one of the clearest examples of Wing Chun’s approach, relaxed, efficient, and practical at close range.

FAQ

What does Tan Sau mean in Wing Chun?
Tan Sau refers to a dispersing hand shape used to redirect pressure while maintaining structure.

Is Tan Sau a block?
No. Tan Sau is not a hard block, it is a redirection based on positioning and relaxation.

When do beginners learn Tan Sau?
Tan Sau is usually introduced early, often within the first form and basic drills.

Does Tan Sau require strength?
No. It works through structure, timing, and correct alignment, not force.

Where is Tan Sau trained in Wing Chun?
It appears in Siu Nim Tao and develops further through partner training such as Chi Sau.

How long does it take to understand Tan Sau?
Most beginners learn the shape quickly, but the skill develops gradually through consistent practice.

Our Invite To You

If you are interested in learning Wing Chun properly from the beginning, a free trial class is the best way to experience the training in person. Visit https://wckuk.org/locations to book a free trial.