Gum Sau - Wing Chun technique
Article by Dan Knight added on 30 Aug 2012. Last updated on 9 Oct 2012.
The Technique - Gum Sau
Gum Sau, or pinning hand
is used to deflect low attacks like kicks and knee strikes to the the ribs. It is also used to pin the opponents hands in
Chi Sau.
In the Forms
First appearance in the system:
Sil Lim Tao - second section.
Other appearances in the forms
Chum Kiu at the end with turning and in Muk Yang Jong - the Wing chun wooden dummy form.
Applications of Gum Sau
As a cover
Gum Sau is ideally used as a block or cover in Wing Chun when attacks are coming low especially attacks to the ribs and stomach.This includes traditional (Karate, TKD) punches, as well as high kicks and knees to the ribs like those used in Mai Thai. The blocking area is the palm of the hand at the base of the wrist. When blocking Kicks and knees be wary of the opponents hands as the Gum Sau is low and therefore often leaves the Wing Chun practitioners upper body and head open if the other hand is not protecting or counter striking.
In Chi Sau
Gum Sau can be used in Chi Sau to protect low as it would in a normal fighting/sparring situation. You can also use Gum Sau to grab and trap your partners arms. A common use is to Gum (pin) their Bong Sau arm across their other (Fook Sau) arm.