Hey fellow martial artist!
Today, I want to share some of the first videos we put up back in 2009 & 2o10 before Enter Shaolin began! I will also share
In this short video, we see the basic function of a Wing Chun Pak Sao. In Wing Chun, the Pak Sao is a common technique that you will find in all families of Wing Chun.
Pak Sao means: Slap block
This technique is usually used to stop a straight punch coming at you or a cross punch.
Theoretically, you could use a Wing Chun Pak Sao to stop hook punches. With that being said there are better alternative techniques for stopping a hook punch and uppercuts.
Here at Enter Shaolin we focus on our wrist control when applying the Pak Sao. Meaning that rather than just catching a punch with our Pak block we control the energy of the punch with our wrist.
Of course the exception is if someone is throwing a jab and they are retracting their strike. In which case we would close the distance on them. 😉
Here is a simple training drill utilizing the Pak Sao and Tan Sao.
WATCH | Pak Sao, Tan Sao Drill | Kung Fu Training | Part 1
WATCH | Pak Sao, Tan Sao Drill | Kung Fu Training | Part 2
If you enjoyed some of these short lessons from our first videos, then you will really enjoy the training we have for you inside of Enter Shaolin. We launched on May 1st, 2014 and have been putting in robust in-depth lessons weekly ever since!
If you like our youtube videos you will love the videos we created for you inside our membership. You can learn more about our membership by clicking this link
What type of Wing Chun videos would you like to see?
Happy Training,
Sifu Larry Rivera
& The Enter Shaolin Family
1-844-9-KUNGFU
I learn this thing and you give me more details information and video
Hey Fahim, your’re welcome. That’s what we’re here for, to enhance yours skills and understanding.
The intire concept doing the movements learn key points to be relax verse been tense and reflexes use of the wrist i like your concept Sifu thank you showing
Awesome! Glad you are enjoying the training.
I loved all of these! The more I watch the more sense everything makes. Such a good teacher. Thank you!
Hey Tiffany, so glad you enjoyed these tips. And yes, he’s a great teacher!
Hello,
I like the way you explain the technique, and how we should drive the energy and not to put pressure on the shoulders … I learn a lot.
Thanks
I’ve watched your introductory videos and there’s some great stuff there. However, in the above clips the partner’s distancing is always too far back ie his punches are out of range in the first place. I’m incredibly sceptical (as an ex- boxer) that you could use a pak sao reliably against a fast, in range, untelegraphed strike.
Hi Rodin, what you are not getting is these are tips, everything is situational.
Personally, I like when people throw jabs because I just weapon strike them. In other words we train to hit the arm so to speak. The Pak Sao doesn’t chase the punch, it only covers the area.
You also are assuming that we would just stand their while you throw your un telegraphed strikes. Or that our hands won’t be in the way of your furious attack. Or that we are not striking you back with un telegraphed strikes. Or just kicking you instead. Or the hundred other variables that can take place in a split second.
The truth is, the only thing you can prepare for is being un prepared. It’s good you are skeptical we encourage everyone to test all things. Your response focuses on the finger, while missing all the heavenly glory.
Hi Larry,
I hope your are well. Thanks for replying.
I’m not making any assumptions about what else you might do, just commenting on exactly what is there.
If you are demonstrating a technique it has to be against a realistic attack and that means the end of the punch moves through its target if it hits, not clearly stops way before the target.
It’s a simple jab versus a block/parry and if it doesn’t work under this very artificial condition it stands no chance in the real world.
Of course, there are many other techniques that could work and if they are demonstrated realistically then there’s no problem. The acid test is it a technique doesn’t work under the very controlled conditions of a drill against a single attack then it’s just a fantasy.
Get a good amateur boxer in and get him to jab fast and hard to the your face- nothing more- try to get just a few of your technique in successfully over the course of a few minutes of this drill. If the punch is on target and fast and you can Pak Sao it repeatedly then you have presented a workable solution. If you have to resort to body shifts, evasive footwork and other defensive moves then these are the ones to teach instead, or at the very least you should teach that the Pak Sao needs these levels of extra protection as it’s unreliable alone.
Reality is a great leveller. There’s no need for discussion or non-contextual, reworded Zen quotes, just the courage to get on the mat and prove any claims.
I look forward to the next videos against strikes as I’m sure you will rise to my friendly challenge.
Cheers and best wishes,
Rodin
Hi rodin, this is sifu Phu. I totally agree to make sure techniques should work under real pressure and stress. What you need to realize is that it does work. We have used it against Golden glove boxers and have been very effective against them. What is hard to see on video is the pressure applied on point unless you have experienced it. While is seems soft cause we demonstrated it slowly. At full speed, we are not trying to deflect it or ward it off. It becomes a strike which not causes pain and/or injury. We don’t believe in defensive hands but offensive or counter offensive. Defensive means you are trying to get rid of pressure. We believe in striking rather defending. We also aren’t trying to move the hands away but to strike it and it goes away. It takes too much time and energy chasing hands but if we strike it, then the force causes it to do so as we focus on striking a single point rather than spread impact and following through in the motion. Too time consuming and energy inefficient to parry or deflect. Hope this helps explain things better to how we do things.
Hi Phu,
I hope you are well.
Thanks for replying. You’ll notice that I didn’t say anything about how you use this, only that the video shows a very unrealistic application. With your opponent in the video you could’ve been eating a sandwich and you’d have been safe from his strike.
I think it’d be really cool if you did the video showing drills that accurately reflect what you’ve just told me you can do. I’m certainly not criticising your skill level- in fact this poor video does that- and you deserve a much better showcasing of your abilities.
I’ve seen other videos of yours and you obviously have talent. I’m just suggesting you make sure that whatever drill you show, that it’s done against a realistic attack.
Have a great weekend.
Best wishes,
Rodin
Hey rodin, appreciate the advice. We’ll make sure in future videos to do that.