[QUOTE=BPWT;1256591]I posted it as an example of training that some might question, especially in relation to no ring work, no ‘evidence’ of it working in a competitive setting; yet there are many with that very competitive experience who do train in these ‘questionable’ methods - because these methods do have worth and relevance.[/QUOTE]
That was one fighter going to one seminar. Doesn’t mean he does much training in that method.
[QUOTE=BPWT;1256591]
Chi Sau has a purpose related to fighting, but that purpose is not to make a fight ‘look’ like a Chi Sau exercise.
Boxers jump rope but they don’t take the rope with them into the ring, they take in what it gave them :)[/QUOTE]
Jumping rope is a side conditioning device that supplements the major boxing training that resembles the way the real fighting is performed.
There would be no problem with chi sao if it was also just a side conditioning device to the major training that mimicked real fighting. That doesn’t seem to be the case though.
[QUOTE=LaRoux;1256597]
There would be no problem with chi sao if it was also just a side conditioning device to the major training that mimicked real fighting. That doesn’t seem to be the case though.[/QUOTE]
Chi Sao should be a side conditioning device to live clinch training. That is its’ correct place in the cosmos…IMO… 
[QUOTE=LaRoux;1256596]That was one fighter going to one seminar. Doesn’t mean he does much training in that method.[/QUOTE]
My understanding is that a number of MMA guys who train with Ray Burns also train with MM. I’ve no idea how often they train with him, but their comments show that they see him as the real deal and think his art and training methods are to be taken seriously.
[QUOTE=LaRoux;1256597]Jumping rope is a side conditioning device that supplements the major boxing training that resembles the way the real fighting is performed.
There would be no problem with chi sao if it was also just a side conditioning device to the major training that mimicked real fighting. That doesn’t seem to be the case though.[/QUOTE]
Well, it is true that I wouldn’t call CS a ‘side conditioning device’, as it is given quite a heavy focus within training, but it is a device.
Wing Tsun is forms, bag work, Chi Sau, Lat Sau, sparring, strength training. Chi Sau is one part of the puzzle.