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