Lap-sau
Wing Chun's "Deflecting-arm" Training

Introduction | Section 1 | Concepts and Theories

Note: Training programs are derived from various resources contained in Volume 3: Chi-sau ("Part 3: Lap-sau," which is a 4-book set), the AWCA Distance Learning Program, and the Wing Chun Virtual Trainer membership site. For more in-depth training information, please consult these programs.

During the Chi-dan-sau and Chi-sheung-sau curriculums, a practitioner will also learn Lap-sau (pronounced lahp-souw), or "Deflecting-arm." Not all lineages utilize the Lap-sau curriculum, but for those that do, they find an immediate advantage for translating chi-sau concepts to street tactics that include sensitivity training.

Lap-sau Drill (730 KB | 18 sec. | WMV format)

The Lap-sau Drill
	The Lap-sau drill starting position.
-1-
	The practitioner on the left changes Wu-sau to press the opponent's arm into a Bong-sau position.
-2-
	Immediately following this, he punches into the Bong-sau arm. Now the opponent enacts the same movements to create an unending cycle.
-3-

As mentioned previously, a practitioner will start with chi-dan-sau and progress to Luk-sau, or "Rolling-arms with forward pressure." Along the way, there are multiple elements introduced to bring about a more comprehensive reaction process, with Lap-sau being used for learning attacks and defenses for a more combative nature vs. just sensitivity.

In other words, Chi-sau trains the sensitivity side while Lap-sau trains actual applications and what to do with that feeling. Combined, we teach the body to act as one unit vs. a "collection of parts."

Back to Top

After the basic Lap-sau drills is learned, we apply this drill to various chi-sau elements. For example, when a chi-sau session is being trained, periodically the arm of one opponent will feel that they can "push" their way out of it. When this occurs, it's an easy transition to the Lap-sau. By doing so, we now find that we can train an additional response correctly without having to "force" an option, thereby improving what we can feel and how the arms can interpret even more force.

Lap-sau: Section 1 Attack (683 KB | 17 sec. | WMV format)

Lap-sau Section 1 Attack
	The practitioner on the left has just punched and placed the practitioner on the right in Bong-sau.
-1-
	Rather than pressing the opponent into Bong-sau and then punching (as we would with the regular Lap-sau drill), the practitioner on the right changes Wu-sau to Yan-cheung (or Pak-sau as called by some). With a combination of a fast, exploding forward step, the hand traps the opponent's Wu-sau to his lead arm...
-2-
	... and the attacker's previous Bong-sau strikes with Chau-chong-kuen, or "Lifting-punch."
-3-

After a great deal of time is spent with honing the first attack, we then explore various defenses. There is almost always more than one way of defending any attack, so below is the first one learned. From this, we explore others such as driving in with different punches, simultaneously attacking with shin/knee kicks, etc.

Lap-sau: Section 1 Defense (738 KB | 17 sec. | WMV format)

Lap-sau Section 1 Defense
	Feeling the incoming attack, the defender begins to circumvent the punch and trap with Gwat-sau.
-1-
	Continuing the Gwat-sau movement, the defender now launches his own punch...
-2-
	... which is defended with Bong-sau.
-3-

Back to Top

There are six sections of Lap-sau attack and defense sequences that we train in, each bringing out a unique method of response to varied situations. Lap-sau ties directly with Chi-sau, but Lap-sau does not rely as heavily on sensitivity as Chi-sau does.

The best way to view Lap-sau is from a sparring point of view. Chi-sau teaches us to "feel" what is happening, and Lap-sau allows us to put that into play by "expressing" our actions in a more non-controlled element. "Non-controlled" in this sense is that we are not bound by any limitations. If your guard isn't up or you are not where you should be, then you get hit. And it is quite common for a few injuries to be seen when engaged in Lap-sau sparring; therefore, we learn a lot about fight training solely through this action.

Back to Top

For more in-depth step-by-step Lap-sau training, check out Volume 3: Chi-sau of the AWCA's eBook Training Series (Chi-sau, Lap-sau and Chi-gerk are all included in Volume 3).

This particular phase of training introduces you to an in-depth look at not only what Lap-sau is, but how to train it. From basic attacks and defenses to in-depth training (as well as how to incorporate it into your Chi-sau training), your Wing Chun skill set will literally explode to a new height after working this curriculum.

This one-of-a-kind training platform was built with true distance learning in mind and has already helped thousands of practitioners all over the world actually learn Wing Chun.

Read more about Lap-sau in "Volume 3: Chi-sau"

Back to Top

| Forms Training |