| Basic training in Teng Sau is required before Kiu Sau | | | | stage there must be sufficient level of skill to adapt |
| (Bridge Arm) and Khum Na (Locking) can be applied | | | | and to deal with completely random attacks |
| effectively. In fact the former two are closely | | | | regardless of style or platform. |
| interrelated but for the purposes of distinction it can be | | | | With the Teng Sau foundation already in place we will |
| said that the former trains sensitivity, flow and control | | | | have developed increased Kiu sao sensitivity and the |
| whereas the latter deals with striking tools, bridge | | | | ability to control power within a framework of free |
| destroying and power generation. | | | | flow. The next part covers the interception and control |
| The foundation of the Ancestor system starts with | | | | of the opponent's attacks and positions at different |
| Teng Sau (Listening Hands) or Chi Sau (Sticking | | | | ranges. Each individual arm and body position is |
| Hands) as it is more commonly referred to these days. | | | | analytically trained to demonstrate precise strengths |
| In fact both names are appropriate but to avoid | | | | and weaknesses. All arm structures from within the |
| confusion with our better known Wing Chun cousins | | | | Ying Yang Circle are introduced and drilled till they are |
| we will refer to Teng Sau. | | | | incorporated into the free flow framework. |
| In short Teng Sau training develops and improves the | | | | The core power generation centres around both |
| ability to control an opponent once contact is made. | | | | Chong Lik (Heavy Power) and Gin Lik (Explosive |
| Whether the period of contact is over in a split second | | | | Power). Chong Lik provides flexible power for when |
| or longer as in grappling Teng Sau training will develop | | | | the arms are de-linked from the body core and thus |
| quicker controlled reflexes. | | | | effective strikes can still be executed without any |
| Initial training is practiced on a fixed Ma (Horse Stance) | | | | body rooting as the power is generated solely by the |
| and once a higher level of skill has been achieved it is | | | | arms. Gin Lik on the other hand develops power from |
| best trained on a raised platform, traditionally on plum | | | | the body core and requires body linking. Both are |
| blossom poles. This part deals with the core root | | | | extremely effective forms of power generation and |
| energies of the body and it is this foundation from | | | | when combined allow for a highly adaptive striking |
| which we develop our Kung Fu from. | | | | armoury. |
| The second part deals with methodical drills to develop | | | | Finally Khum Na training is introduced to develop joint |
| defence and offence within a platform framework | | | | locking skills. Training in the previous two stages will |
| which is unique to the Ancestor system. This is also | | | | allow for more effective Khum Na application and |
| the stage when the concepts of Ying Yang separation | | | | defence. |
| are introduced along with coordinated footwork. | | | | All three should be trained and drilled methodically |
| Finally Teng Sau is taken to the freestyle stage where | | | | before progressing into San Sik (Free Flow). This final |
| contact is maintained but attacks are random and are | | | | part trains our ability to free flow and to deal with |
| taken outside any previous fixed framework. At this | | | | changing energies. |