Fook Sao

[Hatsuyuki]

One of my training partners is a Karate guy. He uses a Fook hand shape. Difference is it's an upward block, raising his hand up the centerline, and defecting with the wrist.

[k gledhill]

The bottom line is every martial art in the world only has to hold up an 'arm' and it might look like fook sao to us ...BUT the thinking behind it can be a myriad of uses..gojukarate [hard/soft karate roots in white crane] has similarities to vt in simultaneous impact deflection aka linsil di da , but only done low across low line strikes ,because their elbow structure/position, wont allow the same SLT concept to work on a high line as vt does , they use fook-sao~ ish 'looking' actions, but done to intercept in short bridge methods underneath , before double finger pokes etc...1-2 actions .... from the same mother but a distant relative. Similarities, because we all have 2 arms and 2 legs...but get below the surface beyond 'skin & hair' and they reveal themselves, not being similar at all !

[Todai]

The bottom line is every martial art in the world only has to hold up an 'arm' and it might look like fook sao to us ...BUT the thinking behind it can be a myriad of uses.

Exactly how i would answer. And your decription in your previous post was a great visualization as well. My sifu always pressed the importance of intention over mechanics. Todai asks, "Sifu why does your fook look different?" Sifu would respond that his fook is where he needs it to be because of his skill level. The beginning student performs the fook as it is in the first form in order to train proper intention, but as you progress there may be little difference in appearance b/w a fook and gong and a biu.

[k gledhill]

....one other thing about the repetition 3x, it signifies importance in the system. The fook 'hand' is not the focus but the path the elbow/wrist takes from vusao out and back ...very important concept of sweeping the center from the rear attacking hand [vu ] and taking the wrist across and the elbow touching the center/central line... back to the hitting zone .[ we x our sternum/chest but hit the nose ] ie the vu is not on the center the wrist is. The elbow being the key player ...the only time we do 'elbows in' during our daily life is when ? SLT. slowly to develop endurance of this simple concept...3 x's for as long as you can [ guidelines I have been given , to move so slowly it doesnt look like its moving] ;
doing [ non maximal ] dynamic isotonic [ moving & same tension ], pec major contractions to control the position of fook / tan/ jum etc.. elbow. But 'when' to apply the alternative elbow 'retaining' force is relative only to an incoming line of force on our forearms [ inside gate or outside ] both still hitting a->b , is learnt as we do dan chi ...etc.
FOOK !! ...its more than just an arm in the air ! but so simple when its working .