Single Sticking Arm – Daan Chi Sau
THE KEY CONCEPTS, TECHNIQUES, AND METHODS OF WING CHUN — MADE CLEAR
Short Definition
Daan Chi Sau is the first step into Wing Chun’s sensitivity training. With one arm in contact, the practitioner learns how to read pressure, redirect force, find openings, and maintain structure. It teaches the quiet skills that make the system come alive, awareness, timing, and intent.
About DAAN CHI SAU
Purpose of the Drill
Daan Chi Sau builds the foundation for all sticking-hand training. The goal is not speed or strength, but to stay relaxed while maintaining correct angles. Through repeated cycles, students develop the ability to feel intention before it becomes movement.
Positioning & Structure
The drill uses Tan Sau and Fook Sau working together in a controlled, repeating pattern. The emphasis is on keeping the elbow weighted, the shoulder relaxed, and the wrist alive. Correct structure allows the body to absorb pressure without collapsing or resisting unnecessarily.
Developing Sensitivity
Daan Chi Sau teaches listening skill, the ability to sense where force is coming from and respond instantly. Instead of fighting pressure directly, the student learns to dissolve, redirect, and regain the line with minimal motion.
How It Connects to the System
This drill prepares students for Double Chi Sau, Gor Sau, and later free application. By training one arm at a time, the practitioner builds confident pathways that later become instinctive when both arms are engaged.
Common Lessons in Daan Chi Sau
Stay relaxed under pressure
Feel force early, react early
Keep movements small and efficient
Maintain forward intent without pushing
RELATED TERMS
Tan Sau – Palm-Up Hand
Fook Sau – Subduing Hand
Ting Lik – Listening Skill
Sun Faat – Forward Intent
Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma – Character Two, Clamping Stance
Poon Sau – Rolling Arms
Gor Sau – Free Crossing Arms
Daan Chi Sau Q&A
The goal is to develop sensitivity, control, and relaxed structure. Daan Chi Sau trains you to read pressure and respond efficiently before strength becomes a factor.
Training one arm removes complexity, allowing a student to focus on angles, relaxation, and timing. Once these qualities are stable, they carry naturally into Double Chi Sau.
Yes, indirectly but powerfully. The drill develops reflexes, touch sensitivity, and structure that translate into faster reactions and more efficient defence in real applications.