Shaolin Ancestors

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Fut Sau (Guarding Hand)

Written by siukee wan

Fut Sau or Buddha Hand is one of the more familiar Shaolin Kung Fu arm postures itself symbolising Peace and Harmony.

Far from being just a symbol of goodwill its role is significant as a ‘Guarding Bridge’ for many kung fu styles. Its focus and application is central to Kiu Sau (Bridging), because from this single position we are able to create a platform or root from which all other bridging tools are connected.

In training we need to focus on recognising its structural properties, and later, more importantly, the development and understanding of bridge arm energetics. It is here that we learn how to exploit both biomechanics and energy flow from a single bridge.

How one delivers the intent (or energy) and more importantly elbow placement, determines and creates two different sets of unique bridging characteristics. In both cases the elbows are pointing down but the difference lies in the position or rather it’s angulation on the horizontal axis. Both are able to draw circular rooting power but along different axes thus creating two different approaches to bridge mechanics.

In order to prevent rigidity and to develop flow and flexibility we initially need to achieve a comfortable level of overall intent before we can concentrate on connecting the two focal energies of both palm and elbow. Until this has been achieved and trained to a reasonable level it is not possible to generate an effective root from this bridge.

In the Ancestor system flexibility and essence of rooting lies in harmonising the elbows with the shoulders. The focus in training is to develop the ability to draw/drive at the elbows along a curved path within all three axes. By having the ‘root’ and ‘engine’ at the elbows, mechanically, we are able to provide a much more a powerful structural position at the wrists.

Training any kung fu system that is founded on bridging requires core training and for some the understanding of the mechanics of Fut Sau represents a basic yet most advance level of understanding.