Chi Sao Drills — Head Push // Outside Pak-Da Follow up // 1-2 Punch Reactions

Here we show some essential drills from Chi Sao.

The head push is a classic self-defense technique, which can be used to create space and unbalance a larger opponent.

Many of the components of the head push drill carry over to other Chi Sao drills, such as the outside Pak-Da.

Lastly, we show some advanced, practical applications against a 1-2 punch. These drills we usually develop within Chi Sao as follow up to stepping off line with Man-Wu.

Head Push Drills ##

These drills build up on each other. When training them, make sure to pay attention the details listed below. Each individual drill is one step in a larger flow. You should only add an additional step once you've developed decent skill in the previous steps.

1. Basic Head Push motion (1:03)

2. Jum Sao reaction (2:58)

3. Test the Wu Sao (4:04)

4. Fak Sao reaction (4:50)

5. Jut-Da follow up (5:30)

6. Face immediately (6:26)

Head Push Details ###

Keep your teeth together and chin down when being pushed.

Utilize a 45-degree line of force from the ground up to push.

Extend the arm in coordination with the rear leg sliding in to release the energy of the push.

Cover with Wu Sao to the side while stepping in to push. This is a prerequisite for being able to employ the Fak Sao.

Regain your facing when the partner steps out at an angle by using the Fak Sao.

Jum Sao / Jut-Da Details ###

Coordinate the elbow and the hip pushing forward to move your body off line at an angle.

Use the Jum Sao to end up in the flank and attack from that strong position.

Step in front of the partner with the Jut-Da to turn their body and impede the other side of their body.

Outside Pak-Da Follow up Drills ##

These drills are quite similar to the corresponding head push drills, so the same basic ideas apply.

1. Fak Sao reaction (7:28)

2. Face immediately (7:39)

1-2 Punch Reaction Drills ##

These drills are advanced and present and opportunity to hone your technique for application against an actual aggressor on the street.

For these to work the attacking partner needs to move in continuously and strike 1-2 as quickly as they can.

We show it here with less forward motion and a pronounced pause between the first and second strike. This is merely an artifact of explaining the technique, and should not be replicated in training.

To develop the actual skill needed, these drills need to be done with a lot of speed and power, using protective gear. In this scenario, both partners should wear a helmet and gloves. The drills can then be done either from a standoff position or within a sparring context.

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME unless you know exactly what you're doing!

1. Pak-Da (9:15)

2. Jut-Da (11:19)

3. Bong-Da (12:05)

Man-Wu Details ###

Bring up the Wu Sao first before turning the body, employing the Man Sao, and stepping off line.