Has anyone here ever used the strategy of “shaking the grass to scare the snakes” in their Chi Sao?
No but…I like to use the “Smoking the hole to get the fox out” technique!.. 
Les paroles s’envolent.
Les écrits restent!..
Sounds good, how do you use it Old Jong?
It’s a secret technique! Not for internet eyes!..Just kidding!
Les paroles s’envolent.
Les écrits restent!..
Okay, I’ll bite? What’s “shaking the grass to scare the snakes”? 
duh
Doh?
Les paroles s’envolent.
Les écrits restent!..
O.K. a question.
I don’t know what is that strategy you are talking about.In my view,Chi sao is simply an exercise not a contest.My only “strategy” is to keep a good structure to my bong,tan and fook!..And try to feel my training partner mistakes in his structure.If I feel a “hole”,a motion will go by itself without any thought.
Could you explain?.. 
Les paroles s’envolent.
Les écrits restent!..
Daredevil
It’s from the “Thirty Six Strategies” (aka "Secret Art of War: 36 Strategems). “Hit Grass Startle Snake” is #13 and the first of the Attack Strategies. Basically, this one warns that you shouldn’t move until you’ve ascertained an enemy’s situation and that repeated checking discovers the hidden enemy.
If you’re dealing with someone unfamiliar, IMHO, it may work once or twice but well honed WCK reflexes can make it risky (while you hit the grass, they might coil out and bite you).
BTW- I recommend the 36 highly. Like Sun Zi’s “Art of War” it’s a Chinese classic and permeates the culture to the extent that you can even trace back some WCK Kuen Kuit to it.
Rgds,
RR
As mung hung suggested, Wing Chun is not one dimensional, and neither is the chi sau.
My last post is in response to Old Jong
Well actually OldJong,not trying to offend your skills, at higher levels of chi sao, many strategies are used. You should try them out once you read them in Art Of War.
The Art of War
Hey, someone else experimenting with Sun-tzu’s principles!
I have found the most valuable concept I have gained from that text and applied with my Wing Chun is the principle of “Strategic Advantage”.
<img src=http://www.photoloft.com/view/exportImage.asp?s=jasc&i=8043605&w=128&h=128>
Shih
One is weak because he makes preparations against others;
he has strength because he makes others prepare against him.
– Sun-Tzu
I really like
I really like the “Rub the bottle to spurt the genie” Chi Sao technique.
“I’m just an actor, just like Robert f***ing Redford when I say those stupid words that they expect me to say.”–Art Alexakis
Hey Scott, we were doing so fine. Your comment is funny, but let’s learn a little with this thread.
No offense intended here Scott.Thank you.
Watchman, thanks for the response. Now could you explain how you use it in Chi Sao? that would be great.
Roy,(and your accolyte Whiphand!)…My skills are not offended at all.I’m sure that you know a lot more about wing chun than I do but I have a few comments.
I believe that Wing Chun was created (enginered would be a better word)to beat other kung fu styles.It use simple motions and economic motions,directness…You know that!I don’t have to say all this to anybody here! All other kung fu styles are aware of “the art of war” but still Wing chun has proven itself many times against others.You get my point here?..It’s the principles of wing chun that makes it so good.I don’t argue that it is not in agreement with “the book” but,it does not need to be a “cerebral” thing! Practice,good no nonsense practice is enough for most.Chi sao is a way to cultivate some skills in prevision of fighting.It is not a fight.It is an exercice.You get a good feeling for the three major motions and learn to applie their principles so you can use their PRINCIPLES in a real situation!..So if,these motions are the question,you would rather use the answer in a fight,the results.
I’m trying to be the least “unidimentionnal” here to make myself understood!
Les paroles s’envolent.
Les écrits restent!..
I realise I mispelled your name Whipping Hand!..Sorry!
Les paroles s’envolent.
Les écrits restent!..
yes, Scott
God forbid there be any humour involved.
Oldjong
I agree with you on many points, however I am not talking about fighting, I am talking about Chi Sao.
There is a WIng Chun Idiom which states that when 2 people of same skill meet, then strength same makes the difference.
When they are of same strength and skill, then Knowledge will determine the outcome. When they are of same strength, skill and knowledge then Strategy determines the outcome.
However, I do respect your viewpoints.