Self Defence - Essential Tips for Self Protection - Crawley Kung Fu School - Clip 1
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Kung Fu Defence·Kung Fu Schools Crawley
http://www.KungFuSchools.org Self Defence tips from Sifu Paul Hawkes - Chief instructor at the Premier Martial Arts Scho…
Kung Fu Defence
Familyカンフーディフェンス(Kanfū Difensu)
Translation: Kung fu defence
Overview
The Kung Fu Defence family covers defensive blocking, deflecting, and intercepting techniques from Chinese martial arts (kung fu/wushu) systems — the most diverse collection of defensive hand techniques in any martial arts tradition. [1] Chinese martial arts developed fundamentally different defensive approaches from Western boxing: rather than absorbing strikes on a passive guard, many Chinese systems emphasise redirecting attacks using minimal force (four ounces deflects a thousand pounds — the Tai Chi principle) or simultaneously blocking and striking (pak sao/simultaneous block-strike in Wing Chun). [1],[2] The major Chinese defensive systems include Wing Chun's centreline trapping (pak sao, bong sao, tan sao), Tai Chi's yielding redirections, Shaolin's hard external blocks, and Bagua's evasive circle-walking. [2],[3] These systems reflect the Chinese martial philosophy of using the opponent's force against them rather than meeting force with force. [3]
Chinese Martial Arts DefenceWushu DefenceCNKung Fu BlockCN
History & Origin
Chinese martial arts defensive techniques have been developed over thousands of years across hundreds of styles. [1] Wing Chun's trapping system (pak sao, bong sao, tan sao) is attributed to the legendary Ng Mui and was refined through the Ip Man lineage in the 20th century. [1],[2] Tai Chi's yielding defensive principles were codified by the Chen family (17th century) and popularised by Yang Luchan (19th century). [2],[3] Bruce Lee studied Wing Chun under Ip Man and incorporated its defensive concepts into Jeet Kune Do, bringing Chinese defensive principles to worldwide attention. [3]
Effectiveness
Chinese defensive techniques offer unique capabilities not found in other systems — Wing Chun's simultaneous block-strike is theoretically more efficient than the block-then-counter approach of boxing, and Tai Chi's yielding redirections work against larger, stronger opponents. [1] However, these techniques have had mixed results in modern full-contact competition (MMA, kickboxing), where the speed and pressure of trained fighters make traditional trapping sequences difficult to apply. [2] Their greatest effectiveness may be in self-defence scenarios where the attacker is untrained and the close-range trapping opportunities are more available. [3]
Lineage
Competition Record
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Intercepting, deflecting, or redirecting incoming attacks using specialised hand positions that either absorb (hard block), redirect (soft deflection), or trap (seize and control) the attacking limb
Joints Involved — Wrist (various hand positions — bong sao rotates the forearm to deflect, tan sao presents the palm upward, pak sao slaps sideways), elbow (Wing Chun emphasises elbows-in centreline positioning; elbow angle determines the deflection direction), shoulder (relaxed for soft deflections, firm for hard blocks)
Force Vector — Hard blocks (Shaolin): perpendicular to the attack, meeting force with force, Soft deflections (Tai Chi/Wing Chun): tangential to the attack, redirecting force sideways or downward using minimal energy, Trapping (Wing Chun): controlling the attack limb after deflection, removing it from the fight
Defence Mechanic — Chinese defensive techniques range from hard to soft on a spectrum: Shaolin hard blocks (similar to karate) → Wing Chun simultaneous block-strike → Tai Chi yielding deflections → Bagua evasive footwork; each system represents a different point on the force-absorption-to-force-redirection continuum
Position & Entry
Pak sao (slapping block, Wing Chun) — When a straight punch comes, slap the incoming fist sideways with an open palm while simultaneously striking with the other hand — the classic Wing Chun simultaneous defence-offence [1]
Bong sao (wing arm, Wing Chun) — When a punch threatens the inside gate, rotate the forearm upward and outward (elbow forward, hand dropping) to deflect the punch upward and to the outside — the arm forms a 'wing' shape that redirects rather than absorbs
Tan sao (dispersing hand, Wing Chun) — Present the palm face-up along the centreline, using the forearm to redirect an incoming straight punch laterally — a soft, energy-efficient deflection
Peng (ward off, Tai Chi) — From Tai Chi's opening posture, use a rising, curved arm to deflect the opponent's push or strike upward and outward — the foundational Tai Chi defensive energy
Videos
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Chinese defensive techniques are designed to be safe for the defender; soft deflections in particular minimise impact on the blocking limbs; the main risk is an untrained practitioner misjudging distance or timing
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— Unified MMA — Legal defensive technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— IBJJF — Legal
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal defensive action
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFWBC/Boxing — Legal {src— WBC Rules of Boxing}
— WKF — Legal
WKF Competition Rules 2024PDF— WT — Legal
WT Competition Rules 2024PDFTraining Notes
✓Wing Chun chi sao (sticky hands) is the primary training method for developing defensive sensitivity — two practitioners touch forearms and practice feeling and responding to each other's attacks and deflections; this develops the reflexive trapping responses that are Wing Chun's core defensive skill [1]
✓Tai Chi push hands (tui shou) develops the ability to yield to force and redirect it — train with a partner, feeling their push and learning to neutralise it with minimal effort
✓Chinese defensive techniques require partner training — solo forms develop hand positions but real defensive ability comes from responding to unpredictable attacks
✓Centreline theory is fundamental to Wing Chun defence — defend the centreline and attacks cannot reach vital targets; all Wing Chun deflections protect the centreline
✓Relaxation is essential for soft deflections — tension prevents the smooth redirection that makes Tai Chi and Wing Chun defence work; stay relaxed until the moment of contact [2]
✓Cross-train with boxing sparring — many traditional Chinese defensive techniques need modification to work against the speed of modern boxing combinations; test your skills against realistic attacks
✓Train sensitivity — the ability to feel the opponent's intention through touch (ting jin) is what makes Chinese defence work at high speed; this requires years of partner practice
Common Mistakes
!Trying to use chi sao techniques against trained boxers at boxing speed without modification — Wing Chun trapping requires close range and specific hand positions that are difficult to establish against an aggressive boxer
!Relying on soft deflections against powerful attacks — very powerful strikes can overwhelm soft deflections; sometimes a harder block is necessary
!Training only solo forms without partner work — defensive techniques must be tested against live, unpredictable attacks
!Believing chi sao is fighting — chi sao is a sensitivity drill, not a fight simulation; it develops skills that must be adapted for real combat
!Standing too upright in Wing Chun stance against takedowns — the Wing Chun fighting stance (YGKYM) does not defend against wrestling-style takedowns
!Mixing hard and soft techniques randomly — each Chinese system has an internal logic; mixing Shaolin hard blocks with Tai Chi soft deflections without understanding both systems creates confusion
!Overcomplicating defence — in real combat situations, simpler is better; elaborate trapping sequences often fail against aggressive, non-cooperative opponents
Related Techniques
Kung Fu Strike — the offensive techniques that pair with Chinese defencesBoxing Defence — the Western blocking alternativeKarate Block — Japanese blocking that shares some historical connection with Chinese martial artsWing Chun (chi sao) — the sensitivity drill that develops Chinese defensive skills
Counter Techniques
Pressure Fighting — aggressive forward pressure prevents the defender from establishing trapping rangeBoxing Combinations — rapid combinations overwhelm single-deflection responsesWrestling/Takedowns — shooting for takedowns bypasses the standing trapping exchangeMaintaining Distance — staying at boxing range prevents the close-range trapping that Chinese defence requires
Setup Chain
1Maintain Guard — establish the appropriate guard for your Chinese system (centreline for Wing Chun, relaxed for Tai Chi)
2Sense the Attack — use visual or tactile (chi sao) awareness to detect the incoming attack
3Deflect — execute the appropriate deflection (pak sao, bong sao, peng, etc.)
4Trap or Redirect — control the attacking limb through trapping or redirect its force
5Counter — deliver a simultaneous or immediate counter-strike
6Follow Up — chain into additional trapping-and-striking sequences or disengage
Sources & References
Primary Source
Tao of Jeet Kune Do (Bruce Lee, 1975)
1BookWing Chun Kung Fu (Ip Man lineage texts)
Description sources — [1] Wing Chun technical curriculum [2] Tai Chi push hands tradition [3] Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do development
2BookTai Chi Chuan (Yang Chengfu, 1934)
History sources — [1] Ip Man and Wing Chun lineage [2] Chen family Tai Chi history [3] Bruce Lee biography
3BookTao of Jeet Kune Do (Lee, 1975)
4BookThe Shaolin Monastery (Shahar, 2008)
5CitationWing Chun Kung Fu (Ip Man lineage texts)
Description sources — [1] Wing Chun technical curriculum [2] Tai Chi push hands tradition [3] Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do development
6CitationTai Chi Chuan (Yang Chengfu, 1934)
History sources — [1] Ip Man and Wing Chun lineage [2] Chen family Tai Chi history [3] Bruce Lee biography
7CitationTao of Jeet Kune Do (Lee, 1975)
8CitationThe Shaolin Monastery (Shahar, 2008)
Community
Athletics
Requires
sensitivity (feeling the opponent's intention through touch), relaxation (tension prevents soft redirection), quick reflexes
Favours
fast hands, good proprioception, the ability to remain relaxed under pressure
Key muscles
forearms (deflection and control), intrinsic hand muscles (maintaining hand positions), core (stability during deflections), legs (maintaining stance)
Sub-techniques
Hop-Gar Crane Wing Block
SubFamilyThe Hop-Gar Crane Wing Block uses a sweeping wing-like motion of the forearm to deflect wide attacks, mimicking the crane spreading its wings for protection. [1]
Explore
Hop-Gar Inside Block
SubFamilyThe Hop-Gar Inside Block deflects incoming attacks from the inside line using a circular motion that redirects force rather than opposing it directly, following Taoist principles of yielding. [1]
Explore
Notes
Kung fu defensive techniques include unique concepts not found in Western martial arts: iron shirt (body conditioning to absorb strikes), chi sao (Wing Chun sensitivity drill for trapping and redirecting), and the centerline theory (defending the center while attacking from the periphery). (Chinese martial arts texts in corpus; Wing Chun manuals)
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I position my hands when someone approaches me aggressively?
Put your hands forward in a protective way to control the other person's area while signaling that you're not a threat. This keeps you feeling in control of yourself and gives you defensive options.
When is it appropriate to be more proactive rather than passive in self-defence?
If you're in a less public environment or genuinely feel your life is threatened or that the situation will immediately escalate, there's nothing wrong with being more proactive in your defence rather than staying purely passive.
How does the Kung Fu Defence work?
The Kung Fu Defence family covers defensive blocking, deflecting, and intercepting techniques from Chinese martial arts (kung fu/wushu) systems — the most diverse collection of defensive hand techniques in any martial arts tradition. Chinese martial arts developed fundamentally different defensive approaches from Western boxing: rather than absorbing strikes on a passive guard, many Chinese systems emphasise redirecting attacks using minimal force (four ounces deflects a thousand pounds — the Tai Chi principle) or simultaneously blocking and striking (pak sao/simultaneous block-strike in Wing Chun).
Where does the Kung Fu Defence come from?
Chinese martial arts defensive techniques have been developed over thousands of years across hundreds of styles. Wing Chun's trapping system (pak sao, bong sao, tan sao) is attributed to the legendary Ng Mui and was refined through the Ip Man lineage in the 20th century.
Is the Kung Fu Defence legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal defensive technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal; IJF: legal — Legal defensive action; WBC/Boxing: legal — Legal; WKF: legal — Legal; WT: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Kung Fu Defence?
Danger rating 2/10. Low — Chinese defensive techniques are designed to be safe for the defender; soft deflections in particular minimise impact on the blocking limbs; the main risk is an untrained practitioner misjudging distance or timing
How do I set up the Kung Fu Defence?
The standard setup chain: Maintain Guard → Sense the Attack → Deflect → Trap or Redirect → Counter → Follow Up.
How do I defend against the Kung Fu Defence?
Standard counters include: Pressure Fighting — aggressive forward pressure prevents the defender from establishing trapping range / Boxing Combinations — rapid combinations overwhelm single-deflection responses / Wrestling/Takedowns — shooting for takedowns bypasses the standing trapping exchange / Maintaining Distance — staying at boxing range prevents the close-range trapping that Chinese defence requires.
What are the variants of the Kung Fu Defence?
Common variants: Pak sao (slapping block) (Wing Chun's simultaneous deflection and counter-strike [1]); Bong sao (wing arm) (Wing Chun deflection that redirects attacks using the for…); Tan sao (dispersing hand) (palm-up centreline deflection in Wing Chun); Lap sao (grabbing hand) (seizing the opponent's wrist after a deflection to contro…); Peng/Lu/Ji/An (ward off, roll back, press, push) (the four fundamental Tai Chi energies used for defence an…); Shaolin hard blocks (similar to karate blocks but with distinct hand positions…); Bagua circle walking (evasive footwork-based defence unique to Baguazhang); Crane defence (Wing-like arm movements that deflect and redirect in Cran…).
How effective is the Kung Fu Defence in competition?
Chinese defensive techniques are used in wushu sanda and Wing Chun competition formats. In MMA and kickboxing, they have had limited competitive success against trained boxing and Muay Thai defences.
What are common mistakes when doing the Kung Fu Defence?
Top errors to watch for: Trying to use chi sao techniques against trained boxers at boxing speed without modification — Wing Chun trapping req… / Relying on soft deflections against powerful attacks — very powerful strikes can overwhelm soft deflections; sometime… / Training only solo forms without partner work — defensive techniques must be tested against live, unpredictable attacks / Believing chi sao is fighting — chi sao is a sensitivity drill, not a fight simulation; it develops skills that must ….
What are other names for the Kung Fu Defence?
The Kung Fu Defence is also known as Kanfū Difensu, Chinese Martial Arts Defence, Wushu Defence, Kung Fu Block.