The 4 Wrist Positions of Practical Wing Chun

A NOTE ON CANTONESE

I use the ‘Jyut Ping’ (粵拼) Cantonese writing system as I have found it to be the most accurate.

For an excellent way to learn Cantonese pronunciation, see Fluent Forever. For a dictionary see CantoDict or use the Hanping Cantonese App for Android.

INTRO

THE 4 WRIST POSITIONS OF PRACTICAL WING CHUN ARE:

  1. Neutral Position (e.g. SNT Taan Sau)
  2. Wrist Flexion (e.g. SNT Fuk Sau)
  3. Wrist Extension (e.g. SNT Wu Sau)
  4. Ulnar Deviation (e.g. BZ Teoi Wun)

Notes:

  • Every move will end on one of these 4 wrist positions
  • Only bend your wrist as far as is natural for you
  • Over time the range of motion in your wrist will slowly increase

1 – Neutral Position

Wing Chun Tan Sau

Example Moves:

  • SNT Taan Sau (Dispersing Hand)
  • SNT Maai Zaang Ceot Kyun (Elbow In Punch)

NOTES:

  • Often used if you want your arm to go in the same direction that your forearm is pointing to

2 – Wrist Flexion

Example Moves:

  • SNT Fuk Sau (Covering Hand)
  • SNT Hyun Sau (Circle Hand)

NOTES:

  • Often used to keep their wrist under your hand
  • There are no strikes that end in this position

3 – Wrist Extension

Example Moves:

  • SNT Wu Sau (Protecting Hand)
  • CK Fei Zaang Ceot Kyun (Elbow Out Punch)

NOTES:

  • Often used to trap their back hand

4 – Ulnar Deviation

Example Moves:

  • BZ Teoi Wun (Wide Pushing Wrist)
  • [No Form] Deng Kyun (Hammer Punch)

NOTES:

  • Often used to defend with the wrist or attack with the fingers
  • Also can be used to hook their arm downwards (SNT/BZ Got Sau)
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