I am currently working hard on SLT, I was training the different Tan Saus in SLT at my last 1-2-1 with my sifu (i have only identified 4 at the moment there may be more,(it appears more than 4 times but i have only identified 4 different ones), I spend a lot of time training the different energies each one has and understanding which one works best for different directions of attacks/sizes of opponents etc.
I think understanding a techniques limitations is as important as understanding its strengths. When not to use a technique is as important as when to use a technique.
I think the most important aspect of tan sau is knowing when it wont work!
but the most important aspect of a tan sau in a fight; is winning the fight - everything else is unimportant
however - a more properly asked question would be about the importance of a tan sau in the kwoon,
in sparring or chi sau
if this was the case seeing as infinately many variations of tan sau can happen, being relaxed, and creating a solid strike from your tan sau would be the most important things - to teach you how to better win a fight
im sure the rest of the intelligent posters on this forum could expound even more
peace
travis
Receive what comes, Escort what leaves, and if there is an opening, rush in
I know there is only 1 tan sau but we train 4 different energies.
eg 1 The tan sau prior to Wu Sau Fook Sau section is a motion straight down the centre line to intercept a straight punch.
eg 2 The first tan sau section after the gum saus and side chops (i have two tan sau sections due to WSL Lineage) has a twisting motion at the very last part of the motion, this twist motion gives beter defence against larger oponents (larger think longer reach)
It may be lineage differences??
Each tan is performed with a slight difference/intent - i hope that helps as i mentioned i have only just covered Tan Sau at this depth. When ever i train on a one to one basis with my Sifu it just reinforces how little i know - Which is great!!
As a “seed” or “fundamental” motions tan sau, bong and fok are the key motions. they are developed in the slt …slowly in the first section
then variations in the later sections in normal speed.In basic rolling we learn how to move and adjust between tan, fok and bong. But the seeds give rise to many families of motions. So in possible applications there are lots and lots of tan saos-various applications where the energy is focused on the thumb side of the bridge.
“How many” depends on how you count and when and what you count. Fundamental-one. Application many.
Functions many- attacks, blocks, locks/breaks, throws as in a great kung fu system like wing chun.But if you dont learn the fundamental right,
the applications would not be as good as they can be.
has to be flat? yup if you want to get hit.Do you mean the hand has to be flat?Do you mean flat in relation to th opponent or the strike that may be intercepted or both?Elbow down forearm cant be flat.If you use energy in a circular fashion then hand not flat.If tan thrusting forward then hand flat.
[This message was edited by hunt1 on 11-25-01 at 05:58 PM.]
Flat tan is very important. That doesn’t mean that it always has to be flat (back of the hand directly facing the floor). But, generally it should end up that way.
