To all of the Wing Chun Family:
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How relevant is Chi Sao these days in your training?
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I'm sure it depends upon your goals. Some schools do nothing but Chi Sao drills. Other schools treat it as a part of a well-rounded education. Yet others, eschew it all together --(but can you call that "Wing Chun"?).
Is Chi Sao a great drill for training at a specific range or is it an antiquated exercise of limited application in modern times?
I'm sure many of us thought that "Mastering" Chi Sao would make us Unbeatable Fighters.
In the ring and competition, competitors often wear gloves and pads that limit or restrict what the hands can do, so tournament experiences cannot be the only arbiter of Chi Sao's value. While learning to read energy and your opponent, control balance, and improve eye-hand coordination are always important fighting attributes, how important is Chi Sao to what you do?
Let the flames begin...