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.