Sensitivity Training Overview

Sensitivity is the cornerstone of Southern Chinese martial arts like Wing Chun, Weng Chun (Tang Yick lineage), and White Crane. Each system emphasizes tactile reflexes, structural integrity, and real-time adaptation through partner drills.

1. IWKA Chi Sao – 1st & 2nd Section (Sifu Sergio’s Method)

1st Section – Foundational Sticking Hands

  • Focus: Energy listening, basic hand positions, centerline control.

  • Drills:

    • Fook Sau / Tan Sau / Bong Sau rotation

    • Rolling hands for pressure reading

    • Lap Sau & Pak Sau with partner reaction

Purpose: Develop soft contact reflexes, train forward energy, and maintain structure under pressure.

2nd Section – Kam Na (Joint Locking Integration)

  • Focus: Control through joint manipulation

  • Concepts:

    • Traps → Locks (elbow, wrist, shoulder)

    • Using structure breaking and redirection

    • Bridge capture and destruction

  • Drills include:

    • Arm-lever joint control

    • Redirection into wrist or elbow locks

    • Combining locks with stances for power generation

Purpose: Convert tactile feedback into control, lock, or takedown with minimal force.

2. Tang Yick – 11 Two-Man Sets (Weng Chun)

These are structured partner drills derived from the Tang Yick Weng Chun lineage, designed to simulate realistic combat flow with built-in counters and energy training.

Key Features:

  • Cooperative + reactive sequences

  • Transitions from strikes to traps, locks, and takedowns

  • Includes stepping, body rotation, and power redirection

  • Drills follow an “attack-counter-attack-counter” loop

Purpose: Bridge the gap between form and application while sharpening contact sensitivity under dynamic movement.

3. White Crane – Single/Double Arm Push Sets

Fujian White Crane’s version of Tui Shou (pushing hands) adds a soft yet penetrating energy to the mix. Trains power through the spine, waist, and breath.

Single Arm Push Set

  • One arm contact at a time

  • Sensitivity to angle, pressure, intent

  • Training: Yield, neutralize, counter

Double Arm Push Set

  • Both arms connect and coordinate

  • Emphasis on structure disruption, explosive power, and rooting

  • Drills include simultaneous push/pull, spiraling locks, and footwork integration

Purpose: Trains whole-body connectivity, short-range power, and bridging tactics with intent.

Integration of All Three

Attribute IWKA Chi Sao Tang Yick Two-Man Sets White Crane Push Sets Structure Forward pressure, centerline Body alignment & redirection Rooting, whole-body power Sensitivity Contact reflexes, rolling hands Intercepting & flowing energy Soft absorption & issuing Application Trapping → locking → control Flow drills, applied scenarios Short power, balance breaking Progression Solo → partner → sparring 11 progressive partner sets Single → double hand → dynamic

Sensui’s Suggested Training Progression:

  1. Start with IWKA Chi Sao 1st Section – establish tactile reflex and positioning.

  2. Introduce White Crane Push Sets – enhance body connection and softness.

  3. Move to IWKA Chi Sao 2nd Section – apply trapping into joint control (Kam Na).

  4. Supplement with Tang Yick Two-Man Sets – refine timing, entry, and flow control under semi-sparring conditions.