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Lap-sau
Wing Chun's "Deflecting-arm" Training
Introduction | Lap-sau Drill | Section 1 | Concepts and Theories
Introduction
uring 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
The Lap-sau drill is the beginning drill for learning how to absorb and deflect force via Bong-sau. It also teaches us how accept incoming force, as well as deliver it.
Lap-sau Drill (730 KB | 18 seconds | WMV format)
Lap-sau Drill |
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The Lap-sau drill starting position. |
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The practitioner on the left changes Wu-sau to press the opponent's arm into a Bong-sau position. |
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Immediately following this, he punches into the Bong-sau arm. Now the opponent enacts the same movements to create an unending cycle. |
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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".
Section 1
After the basic Lap-sau drill 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 is an easy transition to the Lap-sau.
By training in this manner, we 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 |
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The practitioner on the left has just punched and placed the practitioner on the right in Bong-sau. |
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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... |
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... and the attacker's previous Bong-sau strikes with Chau-chong-kuen, or "Lifting-punch". |
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There are six Lap-sau attack and defense sequences in the Siu-Nim-Tau/ Chum-Kiu phase of training. The above is a small sample of the many angles that can be achieved when combining Chi-sau with Lap-sau.
Concepts and Theories
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 is down 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.
For More Information...
Part 3: Lap-sau of Volume 3: Chi-sau introduces you to an in-depth look at not only what Lap-sau is, but also how to properly train it. From step-by-step attacks and defenses to incorporating it into your Chi-sau training, this in-depth video-illustration workbook takes you through the complete Lap-sau curriculum from start to finish.
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Updated: 06.02.2010 4:47PM MST
