Gwo Sau in Central Texas

 Gwo sau is a term used to describe a more advanced form of Wing Tsun sparring or training. It's not just a matter of mixing up the movements from the "sections" or two-man forms. It's a dynamic and sophisticated practice that requires a competent instructor. You won't find this specific type of Hong Kong gwo sau training anywhere else in the Central Texas area—it's a core part of my curriculum.

Here are the key points to consider:

• The Role of a Competent Instructor: A good instructor is crucial for teaching gwo sau. They can guide you on how to correctly apply the principles of Wing Tsun in a free-flowing, unpredictable environment. Just trying to mix parts of the sections together without guidance is not true gwo sau. An instructor will teach you how to transition from the structured drills to the spontaneous movements, ensuring you are applying the correct energy, timing, and footwork.

• Beyond the Forms: The "sections" or forms teach you how to properly move and develop your sensitivity, but they are not the end goal. Gwo sau is the laboratory where you learn to apply those movements in a live setting. It goes beyond the static, pre-arranged movements of the drills and introduces the element of an uncooperative opponent.

• Footwork and Dynamics: Advanced gwo sau is more dynamic and involves a greater emphasis on footwork. While the "sections" teach you basic stances and stepping, gwo sau requires you to be mobile and adapt your footwork to close distance, create angles, and maintain balance against a moving opponent. It's a fluid, ever-changing exchange where you must constantly read and react to your partner's intentions.

In summary, gwo sau is the next logical step in Wing Tsun training after mastering the basic forms. It is a dynamic and essential part of the art that requires the guidance of a skilled instructor to learn how to properly apply the movements and principles you have learned in the "Sections" two man forms.

Chi Sau is addictive

The practice of Chi Sau in Wing Tsun is truly addictive. It draws you in by presenting a series of mental puzzles: how to overcome your opponent's resistance and get your strike through. The initial challenge demands focus and problem-solving, much like unraveling a knot. However, as you master these challenges, the movements become fluid and instinctive—they become second nature. The real hook is the elegant simplicity of the solutions themselves. When an instructor demonstrates the most efficient path, it's often so direct and logical that it inspires a sense of wonder.

Controlling Instructor

Becoming proficient in Wing Tsun, like any martial art, takes dedication and consistent practice. What makes Wing Tsun unique is its emphasis on developing instinctive reactions through a specialized training method called Chi Sau, or "clinging hands." This partner-based drill is crucial for ingraining the muscle memory needed to respond without thinking.

Initially, you'll learn the basic movements of Chi Sau. As you progress, you'll incorporate more complex variations, including footwork in every direction. The only way to truly master these techniques is through regular training with different partners.

Your instructor plays a vital role in guiding your practice and correcting your movements, but this guidance should never come at the cost of your autonomy. Adult students deserve to be treated with respect and trust. 

If you notice any of the following controlling behaviors from your instructor, it's a significant warning sign that you may need to seek out a different teacher:

Restricting advanced training: Your instructor insists that advanced Chi Sau practice can only be done in private lessons with them.

Controlling partnerships: You are only allowed to practice with a partner under the instructor's direct supervision, or you are forbidden from exploring new movements with training partners unless the instructor has personally taught them to you.

Prohibiting outside instruction: The instructor forbids you from learning from any other source without their explicit consent.

Charging for curriculum access: You have to pay extra fees to learn advanced curriculum beyond the standard classes.

Discouraging partner work: Your instructor discourages you from practicing advanced movements with lower-ranking students, often due to unfounded fears about "stolen" techniques.

Mandating approval for teaching: The instructor imposes restrictions on who you can teach based on their personal approval.

Selling rank and titles: The instructor demands payment for you to earn the Sifu (instructor) title.

Discriminating against students: The instructor refuses to teach certain students they deem "undeserving."

Demanding ceremonial subservience: The instructor requires you to kneel as a prerequisite for acceptance as a student.

Fostering a toxic environment: The instructor creates an atmosphere of "us versus them" or tribalism within the training group.

Your training journey should empower you, not put you in a position of dependency. It’s important to find an environment that supports your growth and treats you as a respected member of the martial arts community.