Action of the Bong Sao in Don Chi Sao

A recent question on Ask Sifu:

Q: When doing single arm chi sao, the bong sao is supposed to move how? Deflect the punch sideways or press forward?

A: In long bridge don chi sao (single sticky hands) the bong sao should corkscrew forward driven by the elbow. The shoulder extends the elbow forward into bong sao after the palm strike is deflected. Depending on the distance between you and your partner and the bridge, the wrist will vary from further forward at longer bridge to folded back similar to the look of a lan sao in shorter bridge. The contact point along your forearm in the bong will therefore vary based on distance (along the ulna - closer to the wrist to along the ulna closer to the elbow). Additionally, you must remember that this is simply a sensitivity exercise. Don't think of the bong sao as "blocking" your partner's punch. Bong sao should never lift. Although there are variations, don chi sao is most often practiced in kim yeung mah. Since the bong sao deflects most effectively when you pivot, and since we are usually not pivoting in this exercise, the don chi sao bong sao should feel different than when pivoting with it. Also don't freeze frame the bong sao, get to it and get out of it. Bong is a transitional movement. Never static. Role back to tan sao immediately after bonging.

Posted by Adam Williss, Founder of The Dragon Institute

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A recent question on Ask Sifu: Q: When doing single arm chi sao, the bong sao is supposed to move how? Deflect the punch sideways or press forward? A: In long bridge don chi sao (single sticky hands) the bong sao should corkscrew forward driven by the elbow. The shoulder extends the elbow forward into bong sao after the palm strike is deflected. Depending on the distance between you and your partner and the bridge, the wrist will vary from further forward at longer bridge to folded back similar to the look of a lan sao in shorter bridge. The contact point along your forearm in the bong will therefore vary based on distance (along the ulna - closer to the wrist to along the ulna closer to the elbow). Additionally, you must remember that this is simply a sensitivity exercise. Don't think of the bong sao as "blocking" your partner's punch. Bong sao should never lift. Although there are variations, don chi sao is most often practiced in kim yeung mah. Since the bong sao deflects most effectively when you pivot, and since we are usually not pivoting in this exercise, the don chi sao bong sao should feel different than when pivoting with it. Also don't freeze frame the bong sao, get to it and get out of it. Bong is a transitional movement. Never static. Role back to tan sao immediately after bonging. Posted by Adam Williss, Founder of The Dragon Institute