Chum Kiu — Bridge Detection

 

Chu Shong Tin

Chum Kiu, translated literally, is the method of how to deal with the opponent’s wrists once in contact. In other words, Chum Kiu is the form applicable to fighting. If the theory of Chum Kiu is analysed carefully, it is found that it has reached the acme of perfection.

The purpose of Chum Kiu is to utilise a person’s body weight as the source of energy, combined with the moves of Siu Nim Tau, to create a skill that can apply force in different directions. As a result, the opponent will find it difficult to tackle these kinds of moves because his centre of gravity has been affected and will be easily toppled over. Hence, your chance to win in fighting is increased.

The theory of Chum Kiu can be grouped as follows:

  1. The application of “two-way” force;

  2. Using the centre of the body as the source of energy;

  3. Using the mind to control the movement of the body;

  4. Using the simultaneous attack and defence movements.

1. The Application Of “Two-Way Force”

The majority of the moves in Chum Kiu is to apply the force moving in two different directions to contact the opponent’s wrists. Although it is called the “two-way force”, if analysed in more detail, it is found that it consists of the skill of applying the force pointing from more than two directions.

The turning stance of Chum Kiu is a two-dimensional turning, i.e. turning on a surface. When the turning stance is combined with the use of tau sau, bong sau and fook sau of Siu Nim Tau at the same time, every move of Chum Kiu will comprise the effect of having a force pointing from two different directions. Thus, the opponent will find it difficult in dealing with these kinds of moves.

I was invited to organise a seminar in Holland in 1994 in which I demonstrated the “two-way force” of Chum Kiu. During the demonstration, I wrestled with a young and huge man who could easily lift 250 kg. At that time, I weighed only 60 kg. As the body weights vary so greatly, my winning with the use of Chum Kiu obtained the shouts of triumph from everybody present on that occasion.

The reason why the “two-way force” is difficult to be deal with is straightforward. Assume that you can easily raise an object of 50 kg, but if a person pushes you with a force of 20 kg from the side while you are lifting a 30 kg object, then you will find it very difficult to resist the pushing and will even lose your balance and fall over.

2. Using the centre of the body as the source of energy

In practising Chum Kiu, one must use the centre of the body as the source of energy. The purpose is to maintain the body weight as an unity and then every move will contain the weight of the whole body. When the opponent is in contact with any part of your body, he will then have to suffer an attack from your whole body weight.

3. Using the mind to control the movement of the body

In practising Chum Kiu, one must use the body's centre as the source of energy. The purpose is to maintain the body weight as a unity, and then every move will contain the weight of the whole body. When the opponent is in contact with any part of your body, he will have to suffer an attack from your entire body weight.

4. Using the simultaneous attack and defence movements

Practising Chum Kiu has entered into the stage of body contact with the opponent. This means that Chum Kiu is the form that will consist of combative skills. Hence, every simple move of Chum Kiu contains a common structure that is fit for attack or defence. Apart from having the speciality of Wing Chun (i.e. not to waste energy), every move will contain the scientific structure for combat, allowing the fighting skill to show up when facing the opponent.

In my opinion, the fighting skill of Chum Kiu is difficult to describe in writing. If I have to put down all the Chum Kiu skills in writing, the article will be so profound that the person who reads it will find it hard to understand and become confused. The best way is to understand it is through demonstration and practice.