Secondary Phase
Once space has between the two opponents have been bridged and an in-fighting situation occurs, the Wing Chun practitioner should employ the secondary phase of bridging. This phase occurs when the limbs of two opponents make contact and cross one another. For purposes of this discussion, we will only talk about Kiu Sau, or the bridge of the arms (forearms).
   The Wing Chun practitioner's arms must be made very sensitive to pressures. Most people use their eyes as guides, but the ocular senses alone cannot make an accurate judgement about how best to attack when the split-second openings occur in the enemy's defences. Therefore, kiu sau training becomes imperative. Kiu sau training increases tactile sensitivity of the arms and teaches the practitioner how to use the arms as another set of guides. Kiu sau feeds information about reaction time when the enemy relaxes, tenses or places his hands too low, too high etc. For example, Kiu sau sensitivity informs the practitioner that the enemy has extended his elbow to where the elbow is no longer bent, and is ready to withdraw. In effect, sensitivity of the forearms takes over, telling the rest of the body what to do. When mastery of kiu sau is gained, the practitioner will use this skill to enlist the enemy's force and momentum against him.
   There are two drills used in kiu sau training. Drill one calls for the master to draw a six foot square box on the floor and place the practitioner in the centre. The practitioner then has one minute to advance to one side of the box, back, shift 90 degrees, then advance to the outside line in that direction, and back again, shifting and advancing in each direction around the box. The practitioner will do this as many times as possible within the one minute time limit. This will help build agility and power.
   Drill two calls for the master to use a target drill. This is accomplished by drawing a line on the floor about two to three feet from a target, such as a wooden dummy. The master then has the student attack the target with grabs, kicks, strikes, or footwork. It is during this level of training that the student is introduced to Chi Sau (sticky hands) or how to move with an enemy and become one with him (sensitivity).
   It cannot be stressed enough that a bridge well established is an integral part of Wing Chun, it reveals the enemy's weaknesses and strengths. It is a means to an end. A one way bridge, as it were, to be used for the practitioner's purposes only. If the practitioner finds that this particular bridge cannot be exploited then it is destroyed and another one is established. By ignoring the bridge practitioners cannot create intelligent strategy at a moments notice - indeed it is a mistake too far.

 

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