There is an amazing component of energy sensitivity training incorporated into Wing Chun Kung Fu called Chi Sao.
Chi = Energy and Sao = Hand.
The basic training of Chi Sao starts with one hand (Dan Chi Sao) in parallel stance, which is done in a mirror position with your left hand touching your training partner’s right. The more advanced practice incorporates both hands in neutral stance, eventually adding the foot work in defense stance, in cross hand positions with two people crossing their front hands at the back of their wrists, barely touching, both applying a miniscule amount of forward moving energy. When one of them moves to strike, in a less or more relaxed manner, the other one moves to block the strike and proceeds with a counter strike, going back and forth in a flow pattern, repeating the drill.
The art is in matching the intensity of the other person’s energy and redirecting it and flowing into improvisation of alternating different patterns of blocks and strikes.
When one starts training in Chi Sao their movements are intense although with utmost attention to care and the intention to move slowly. The ability to relax and perform mechanics of movement while matching the opponents’ energy is the central point of
this practice. The focus of several patterns of training is on leaning into it yet staying alert and assertive while continuing to block and strike movements. Once you get the mechanics you can enter into a state of flow and become in-sync with your training
partner. This opens the possibility to train with your eyes closed to take it to even deeper levels enhancing kinetic sense and engagement in the flow of your energy field.
This, my friend, is as hard as it is fascinating. Among many things this practice can teach you is to avoid overreacting and instead to start responding to incoming energy appropriately, no matter how subtle or overt, by matching it. In a real-life scenario, you
can avoid snapping at someone when they are pointing at a stain on your shirt and learn how to ‘brush things off.’
The amazing thing is that by being absorbed in a state of flow or continued simulated battle it feels more like a dance than a fight. You can learn to spot attacks faster whether physical, verbal, or in body language, no matter how concealed and subtle and practice
appropriate responses.
The sad part is that you may discover people in your life attacking each other more than you noticed before. You may become more aware of covert ways they are correcting and policing those around them. You may also discover a need for setting boundaries
within your immediate surroundings and learn to see beyond false pretenses. You may begin to notice that phony smiles and grandiose words are often hiding ulterior motives and manipulative techniques in your household, on the street, or in society at large.
It is interesting how much one can learn to see when one undertakes and commits to sensitivity training, which I believe is incorporated in many types of arts.
