 Basic training in Teng Sau is required before Kiu Sau (Bridge Arm) and Khum Na (Locking) can be applied effectively. In fact the former two are closely interrelated but for the purposes of distinction it can be said that the former trains sensitivity, flow
and control whereas the latter deals with striking tools, bridge destroying and power generation.
Shaolin Ancestors Kung Fu operates through an Internal framework so it is at the early stages that the basic building blocks of Internal Power are incorporated. Through specific training methods, Internal development is introduced from the very beginning and it is upon this Internal Platform that everything else is built. As a result students are able to develop enough practical power within a relatively short period of training.
 The foundation of the Ancestor system starts with Teng Sau (Listening Hands) or Chi Sau (Sticking Hands) as it is more commonly referred to these days. In fact both names are appropriate but to avoid confusion with our better known Wing Chun cousins we will refer to Teng Sau.
In short Teng Sau training develops and improves the ability to control an opponent once contact is made. Whether the period of contact is over in a split second or longer as in grappling Teng Sau training will develop quicker controlled reflexes.
Initial training is practiced on
a fixed Ma (Horse Stance) and once a higher level of skill has been achieved it is best trained on a raised platform, traditionally on plum blossom poles. This part deals with the core root energies of the body and it is  this foundation from which we develop our Kung Fu from.
The second part deals with methodical drills to develop defence and offence within a platform framework which is unique to the Ancestor system. This is also the stage when the concepts of Ying Yang separation are introduced along with coordinated footwork.
Finally Teng Sau is taken to the freestyle stage where contact is maintained but attacks are random and are taken outside any previous fixed framework. At this stage there must be sufficient level of skill to adapt and to deal with completely random attacks regardless of style or platform.
 With the Teng Sau foundation already in place we will have developed increased sensitivity and the ability to control power within a framework of free flow. The next part covers the interception and control of the opponent’s attacks and positions at different ranges. Each individual arm and body position is analytically trained to demonstrate precise strengths and weaknesses. All arm structures from within the Ying Yang Circle
are introduced and drilled till they are incorporated into the free flow framework.
The core power generation centres around both Chong Lik (Heavy Power) and Gin Lik (Explosive Power). Chong Lik provides flexible power for when the arms are de-linked from the body core and thus effective strikes can still be executed without any body rooting as the power is generated solely by the arms. Gin Lik on the other hand develops power from the body core and requires body linking. Both are extremely effective forms of power generation and when combined allow for a highly adaptive striking armoury.
 Khum Na training is introduced to develop better bridge control and joint locking skills by the hands. Through a series of exercises and drills the student learns how to apply the various grips inorder to deliver the various aspects of self defence. Whether restraining or delivering distortion prior to executing a response technique, Khum Na provides the additional control required to improve the percentage of success. Training in the previous two stages will allow for more effective Khum Na application and defence.
The foundation of Khum Na essentially begins with strength training to our tendons. In essence our focus on power generation is switched over from the muscles to our tendons. By linking the power from the various tendons, we can established a conduit through which Internal energy can freely flow. Without this network of Internal Linking it is not possible to deliver enough power or speed to make Khum Na dynamic enough to be effective.
 All three should be trained and drilled methodically before progressing into San Sao (Free Hands). This final part trains our ability to free flow and to deal with random changing energies and positions. At this stage we combine all the various skills from our foundation training and train to apply them in a free sparring enviroment.
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