CHI GERK AND FOOTWORK
While Chi Sao is the reflex and reaction training for the arms, Chi Gerk is the equivalent for the legs. Chi Sao and Chi Gerk are therefore two sides of the same coin and indispensable in Wing Chun.
A fundamental aspect of Wing Chun is not just the use of hands and arms—targeting the upper and middle levels of the opponent’s body. Wing Chun’s focus is not limited to attacking above the waist.
Quite the opposite: attacks targeting the lower body, specifically the legs, are one of the key elements of Wing Chun.
Let me give you a simple analogy: imagine a high-rise building with a rooftop terrace, balcony railing, and deck chairs, and you want to demolish it. You’re holding a stick of dynamite. Where do you throw it?
On the rooftop terrace?
Certainly not. That would just result in a loud bang, leaving the railing shattered and the deck chairs flying toward the moon, but the high-rise would still be standing.
Instead, you throw the dynamite into the basement and destroy the building’s foundation. That’s how you bring it down.
With this image in mind, think of Chi Gerk—because the same principle applies to attacks on the lower body. In Wing Chun, we use leg techniques (stomping kicks, stop kicks, sweeping kicks, locking techniques, foot control, etc.) to target the opponent’s legs, aiming to limit their mobility, damage joints (knees, ankles, etc.), disrupt their central alignment, and bring them to the ground.
A solid understanding of footwork is essential for this. In Wing Chun, we differentiate between close-range footwork and long-range footwork, which also affects weight distribution between the front and rear legs. Offensive steps, long steps, lateral steps, pivot steps, anchor steps, switching steps, turns, kicking techniques, and much more form part of Wing Chun’s repertoire.
Much of this is first practiced solo, then combined into Chi Gerk partner exercises, also referred to as sections, and finally integrated with Chi Sao and Lat Sao partner drills.
01
FOOTWORK AND CHI GERK IN WING CHUN
Footwork is one of the key components in any martial art or combat sport. How do I move my body relative to the opponent? How do I get off the opponent’s line of attack (offline)? How do I generate power? What do I do in close range versus long range? These are all questions related to footwork.
Wing Chun features different types of steps depending on the phase or distance. How does this connect to Chi Gerk? In this article, I explain the essentials—from the basics to advanced content. Read on here.
03
CLOSE-RANGE FOOTWORK
Hoi Ma, Sao Sik, Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma, IRAS pivots, lateral steps, forward steps, long steps, offensive steps, Huen Bo (circular step), diagonal steps, and Plum Blossom Steps, as well as 45°, 90°, and 180° turns, stance switching, anchor steps, pivot steps, and many other movements permeate the Wing Chun system in both close and long-range scenarios.
Here, I show you these types of steps and explain when, how, and where to use them. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
04
CHI GERK PREPARATION AND STRENGTH EXERCISES
In some Wing Chun systems, Chi Gerk is taught; in others, it isn’t. When Chi Gerk isn’t included, a crucial element is missing—the third dimension of control over the opponent and the ability to bring them to the ground.
If Chi Gerk is taught but introduced too late or overly focused on arm techniques, the interplay between arm and leg techniques won’t be developed as thoroughly as it should have been from the beginning.
Chi Gerk training often starts with specific strength exercises to develop the speed and flexibility in the legs required for the demanding drills. Here, I show you preparation exercises and strength-building routines to support your Chi Gerk training. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
05
CHI GERK PARTNER EXERCISES
In some Wing Chun styles, Chi Gerk is taught only at the very end—likely when most practitioners no longer have the energy for flexible footwork. I still remember how surprised I was when I finally learned Chi Gerk and how it completely changed the way I approached Wing Chun.
Honestly, I was a little annoyed and wondered why these extremely important techniques were taught so late. That’s why I teach Chi Gerk right from the beginning in my school.
Chi Gerk is reflex and reaction training for the legs, enabling highly effective attacks and control techniques aimed at the opponent’s lower body.
In this article, I introduce you to Chi Gerk, explain its connection to the Tripodal Form, discuss the importance of understanding footwork for Chi Gerk, and detail how partner exercises in Chi Gerk—often referred to as sections—are structured and practiced. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.