HAND TECHNIQUES
Wing Chun empowers us in many ways. The skills we develop through Wing Chun encompass both external and internal aspects.
Inner calm, balance, discipline, and overall personal growth are examples of the internal benefits of Wing Chun training.
On the other hand, strength, speed, endurance, and self-defense abilities reflect the external benefits of Wing Chun practice.
For beginners, however, the first concern is rarely inner peace, calm, or balance. These qualities develop only through consistent training and proper guidance.
Initially, every beginner wants to know how to defend themselves and, bluntly put, how to land a solid hit on an opponent. To achieve this, we train hard and work through numerous drills, including forms, Chi Sao, Lat Sao, fitness exercises, and much more.
The first step for a beginner is to understand their body and recognize what weapons they have at their disposal. What are hand edges? How can you pull an opponent? How do you use your arms to control the inside and outside areas while attacking simultaneously? And, fundamentally, which hand movements are used for which purposes?
Many of the hand and/or arm movements, positions, and techniques in Wing Chun serve different purposes and functions. Their value and application become clearer over time, especially after practicing Chi Sao drills, forms, and Lat Sao exercises.
Below, I’ve selected 29 hand techniques and written detailed articles on each, complete with videos explaining their use and nuances.
Enjoy,
Cord Elsner
01
HAND TECHNIQUES IN WING CHUN
Here is one of the most important hand techniques in Wing Chun—the Five Fingers hand technique.
If someone wants to learn Wing Chun, you hold up your five fingers as a test. If they’re too clueless to count to five, they can’t learn Wing Chun!
Unfortunately, this test isn’t conducted in many Wing Chun schools, which is why many people practice Wing Chun who really shouldn’t train martial arts—they simply don’t take it seriously. They treat it as if they’ve joined some fitness club and expect skills to fall into their laps while they sit on their couch in front of Netflix, outsourcing their brains.
With this introduction out of the way, this article delves into further fundamental and advanced details about Wing Chun hand techniques. Read more here.
02
MAN SAO, WU SAO, AND THE WEDGE PRINCIPLE
Man Sao (the seeking hand) and Wu Sao (the guarding hand) are two hand techniques that are iconic to Wing Chun. This hand posture is often called the "Wing Chun wedge" or simply the "Wing Chun wedge stance."
This article explains the purpose and function of Man Sao and Wu Sao, what isometric tension in arms means, and advanced concepts. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
03
WING CHUN STRAIGHT PUNCH AND CHAIN PUNCHES
The Wing Chun straight punch, also known as Da, Kuen, Chuen, or the vertical punch, is one of Wing Chun’s signature weapons. Some people even claim it’s the "only relevant punching method" in Wing Chun, which is nonsense.
When several vertical punches are executed in sequence, they form chain punches, the simplest form of chain techniques. This article explores details about the straight punch, differences, training methods, and advanced insights. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
04
BONG SAO
Bong Sao, the (outer) wing arm, is one of the most critical arm positions in Wing Chun. Bong Sao incorporates fundamental principles of the butterfly knives, Poon Sao (rolling hands), and many other key elements.
This article explores sayings like "Bong Sao doesn’t exist," explains numerous details, and dives into advanced topics and the connection to the butterfly knives. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
05
TAN SAO
Tan Sao and Bong Sao are among the five fundamental hand techniques in Wing Chun, used to close, cover, and control the body’s sectors or gates.
While many Wing Chun practitioners view Tan Sao as a block or defensive posture, this is a strange interpretation since Wing Chun contains very few purely defensive movements.
This article bridges the gap between basic and advanced content, including connections to the butterfly knives. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
06
FOOK SAO
Fook Sao, the bridging arm, as its name suggests, is used to build bridges over the opponent’s arms and serves various other purposes. It is one of Wing Chun’s five fundamental hand techniques, covering specific sectors of the body at the upper level.
This article delves into the basics and advanced concepts of Fook Sao and its connection to other techniques like Biu Fak Sao. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
08
JAM SAO
Jam means "to sink," and Sao is commonly known as "hand" or "arm." This demonstrates the variability in spellings, especially when considering that Cham Kiu contains the same word with the same meaning: Cham.
Both Jam and Cham mean "to sink," but they are written differently. Jam Sao thus translates to "sinking arm." How to use Jam Sao in Wing Chun and its connection to the Five Directions of Pressure in Wing Chun is explained in this article. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
09
PAK SAO
Pak Sao, also known as the "slapping hand," is another essential hand technique in the Wing Chun system. In cases of collision, we use techniques like Pak Sao to remove the opponent’s hands or arms—or, more casually, the "collision object."
There are clear analogies to boxing techniques like slipping, ducking, and rolling, as well as combinations with defensive movements using open palms to deflect strikes to the side. Learn more about Pak Sao here. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
10
GAN SAO
Gan Sao, the "cutting arm," is immediately recognizable as an analog to cutting knife movements. Gan Sao, executed either laterally or vertically, is a cutting motion that can be combined with body axis rotation or performed with gravity-assisted downward force.
Whether used as a single movement or combined with Chan Sao to form Scissor Gan Sao, this technique plays a prominent role in Wing Chun. Learn more here. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
11
GAM SAO
Gam Sao, the "pressing hand," is a type of palm strike. However, it is not limited to open palm strikes; it can also involve gripping and pressing movements that push an opponent’s arm or clothing downward or sideways.
Gam Sao is both an offensive and a control technique. This article explores foundational and advanced considerations for Gam Sao. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
12
LAP SAO
Lap Sao is a pulling motion. The opponent’s arm or clothing is grabbed and pulled. Considering that Wing Chun Kung Fu originated from Shaolin Kung Fu, Lap Sao is reminiscent of the gripping techniques found in Shaolin animal styles.
Lap Sao is used to pull down the opponent’s guard, exert control, or disrupt their central alignment. Learn more about the fundamentals and advanced considerations of Lap Sao here. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
13
JAT SAO
Jat Sao means "shock hand" and refers to a jerking pulling motion combined with a grip. Beginners encounter this hand technique for the first time in Section 4 of the Siu Nim Tao form, where Jat Sao is performed with open hands in short, jerking pulling motions using both hands.
This is an excellent example of the Siu Nim Tao form’s simplified nature, where turns, grips, and other complexities are omitted to provide just a "small or initial idea" of the Wing Chun system. Learn more about Jat Sao in this article. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
14
BIU TZE SAO
Biu Tze Sao translates to "thrusting or piercing fingers"—essentially, a finger strike. Biu Tze Sao is introduced in the Siu Nim Tao form and has a limited application range. The only realistic targets for a finger strike are the eyes and throat.
Although it’s possible to strengthen fingers like in Karate (e.g., with a makiwara), most people would likely injure themselves attempting to strike other targets. This article discusses the applications and limitations of Biu Tze Sao and explains how slight modifications can turn this technique into a dangerous weapon. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
15
SCISSOR GAN SAO
Scissor Gan Sao is a double-handed technique composed of a low Gan Sao and a high Chan Sao. A variation exists where the upper hand is positioned vertically, as if splitting the opponent’s head open.
While this version’s purpose remains unclear, the version targeting the neck with Chan Sao appears far more effective. Scissor Gan Sao first appears in Section 7 of the Biu Tze form. This article explores both basic and advanced details, including three-level control and weapon applications. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
16
KWAT SAO
Kwat Sao, the "sweeping arm," is clearly a hand technique effective at the midsection level of the body. Kwat Sao is used analogously to a forearm block against frontal kicks or knee attacks.
It is also combined with Lao Sao (scooping arm) in circular movements to trap the opponent’s leg and follow up with additional techniques. Learn how to execute Kwat Sao, its fundamentals, and advanced applications in this article. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
17
LAN SAO
Lan Sao, the "bar or fence arm," is essentially a hand technique used to control the opponent or create a protective barrier. Hence, the names "bar arm" or "fence arm."
With Lan Sao, we lock the opponent’s arms or establish a protective buffer between ourselves and the opponent. Figuratively speaking, it’s like building a fence around your property to keep your troublesome neighbor and their dog at bay.
This article explains the protective and locking functions of Lan Sao, as well as its application as a levering technique. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
18
TOK SAO
Tok Sao is known as the "elbow lifting arm." At first glance, this might seem like a limited-use technique, with some imagining it involves lightly lifting the opponent's elbow using an open palm, as seen in Section 4 of Siu Nim Tao. This could not be further from the truth.
When executed correctly, with grip and power, Tok Sao is a technique that commands respect, especially when followed by a strike to the short ribs. This article explores Tok Sao fundamentals, advanced considerations, and its role in three-level control. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
19
TAT SAO
Tat Sao (also written Tut Sao or Tüt Sao) translates to "freeing arms" and refers to movements used to escape from an opponent's grip.
Tat Sao encompasses all actions used to release oneself from an opponent’s grasp. Variations of this technique, such as cutting or hacking motions, appear in Section 8 of Siu Nim Tao. Learn more about these variations and their applications in this article. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
20
TAI SAO
Tai Sao means "lifting arm," which is an amusing name, considering it involves lifting the arm to strike the opponent under the chin with the wrist. Tai Sao is essentially a "wrist strike."
While its application is rare, Tai Sao serves as an interesting transitional attack from a palm strike to Bong Sao in confined spaces. This article explains when and how to use Tai Sao effectively. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
21
KWAN SAO
Kwan Sao means "inward-rotating arms" and is a sequence of movements. The final position, shown here, is not Kwan Sao but rather Tan Sao and low Bong Sao (Dai Bong Sao).
When alternating between Tan Sao and Dai Bong Sao—right, then left, and back to right—a propeller-like motion with inward arm rotation is created, hence the name. Kwan Sao is a crucial Wing Chun movement, used consistently throughout the system.
This article explains the importance of Kwan Sao, explores the basics, and connects it to Biu Tze, the wooden dummy, butterfly knives, and more. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
22
FAK SAO
Fak Sao, often called "whipping arms," is another important Wing Chun hand technique. Many practitioners favor the use of fists for chain punches or combinations with other techniques (e.g., Pak Sao, punch, or Tan Sao, punch).
However, hand techniques mimicking knife movements aimed at the throat are often far more effective. Fak Sao is one of these techniques and is commonly paired with Lap Sao.
This article explores Fak Sao fundamentals and connects it to movements in the forms, the 6th Cham Kiu Chi Sao Section, butterfly knives, and more. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
23
BIU FAK SAO
Biu Fak Sao is a combination of Biu Tze Sao and Fak Sao. It merges the thrusting motion of Biu Tze Sao with the cutting motion of Fak Sao, creating a slicing technique inspired by the butterfly knives.
Biu Fak Sao, featured in Section 10 of the Biu Tze form, is an incredibly effective motion, especially in combinations. This article explains its applications, control over inner and outer areas (sector/gate theory), and weapon considerations. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
24
HUEN GOT SAO
Huen Sao is the circling hand, while Huen Got Sao is the circular cut. This movement appears frequently in the Biu Tze form but is already present in Section 3 of the Siu Nim Tao form.
The circular cut is one of many ways to slice through the opponent’s arms and switch quickly between inner and outer areas—a core concept in Wing Chun. Huen Got Sao also applies to butterfly knives and can be easily adapted to smaller cutting weapons or blunt tools like palm sticks. Learn more about its applications in this article. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
25
KAM NA SAO
Kam Na movements are joint-locking techniques. Specifically, Kam Na Sao is used to momentarily straighten the opponent’s arm and prevent elbow bending.
Kam Na techniques aim to immobilize the opponent’s arms, providing a brief advantage. While the opponent attempts to escape the Kam Na grip, you can deliver a strike. This article provides examples of Kam Na applications. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
26
KAP JARN
Kap Jarn is one of three elbow techniques (Kap, Kwai, and Pai Jarn) found in Sections 3–6 of the Biu Tze form.
Kap Jarn refers to the "overhead elbow," executed as a vertical downward slicing motion. This movement reflects one of the eight cutting directions of the butterfly knives (Bart Cham Dao). Learn why Kap Jarn is a core technique in Wing Chun in this article. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
27
KWAI JARN
Kwai Jarn, the diagonal elbow, is trained in Sections 4 and 5 of the Biu Tze form. It often follows a Bong Sao motion, cutting diagonally downward through the opponent.
Targets include the chin, collarbone, sternum, and arms. This article explores the fundamentals of Kwai Jarn and its connections to other Wing Chun techniques. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
28
PAI JARN
Pai Jarn, the horizontal elbow, is trained in Section 6 of the Biu Tze form. Through body rotation, this elbow strike gains significant power.
Pai Jarn attacks horizontally, cutting across the opponent. Although it could be interpreted within the Cham Kiu form, Pai Jarn is primarily a movement from Biu Tze, focusing on delivering power to a small point. Learn how Pai Jarn is executed and its advanced considerations in this article. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
29
PO PAI
Po Pai, also called the "butterfly hands," involves both vertical and mixed vertical-horizontal pushing motions. Po Pai is not simply a push; it is a powerful forceful shove.
As a core technique in Section 6 of the Mok Yan Chong Fat (wooden dummy form), Po Pai is integrated into the 6th wooden dummy Chi Sao section. This article explores its applications and possibilities. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
30
MAN GENG SAO
We conclude this list with Man Geng Sao, the neck pulling technique. Man Geng Sao involves gripping the opponent’s neck and pulling them, with the added option of applying leverage through the elbow.
When initiated with a strike to the neck (a “G'nackfotzn,” as the Bavarians say), additional damage can be inflicted. Clearly, this is a clinch-style movement. This article explains the clinch characteristics of Man Geng Sao and its implications for Wing Chun. Please register and log into your account to read the full article.
