Garn Sau Explained (Part 2)

Wing Chun’s

Grandmaster Ip Chun

In Part 1 of this blog I approached some possible applications for the use of Garn Sau, either as a double or single hand application, incidentally, whenever we refer to Garn it is always implied that this is the two handed version, with Garn Sau meaning ‘Splitting Block or Splitting Hands’, this would require the use of both arms, therefore, if you were to use the single hand then this would be described as a High or Low Garn

I didn’t show the actual ‘Splitting’ application but merely focussed on the path taken by the hands during the changes.

Mmm, now that I have mentioned this I supposed I should explain?

Ok, here’s a quick description then…

In Chi Sau, imagine you are rolling in double Fook Sau and your partner in Tan & Bong.

As they roll down to their left Tan, press down with your right Fook and turn to your right, hey presto, you will now be in the shape of a Garn.

The ‘Splitting‘ part of this is now visible by side-stepping to your left and applying the right palm to the chest, as you have now ‘Split’ their positions.

I hope that helps??

Back to the post:

In this video clip, I look at this Part 1 drill again, trying to cover some of the issues you may be finding, issues which are mainly helped by the attacker (assisting/helping partner), taking their time with each punch, and allowing you to settle in from the previous technique before moving on.

These ideas will include keeping the threat away, drawing your punch up to your chin before moving outward, encouraging a slap on the downward covering hand, and bringing the timing together.

Please remember that the purpose of this drill is to assist you in better understanding the path in which we need to follow (and why), when changing in Garn Sau’s.

Thank you for watching.