Taan sau is generally accepted as the most distinctive individual technique in Wing Chun Kuen. There is one theory that states that a gentleman named Taan Sau Ng was the true founder of Wing Chun. This story has some credence in that Ng reputedly worked on the Opera Troupe Boat and was well versed in Kung Fu.

Taan Sau translates as palm up hand and is, therefore, easily recognisable. The blocking area is generally on the radial side of the forearm by the wrist. This is lightly unusual as bong sau, gaan sau and jum sau all use the ulna side.

Taan sau is most frequently used in chi sau, where it is an effective cover. Applying the Taan Sau shape often creates space allowing the practitioner to slip or strike. As you can see in the photo below, Sifu Phillips is applying outside gate taan sau on Martin Burton. Martin is big and powerful. However, it can be seen that Sifu Phillips is able to offset his forward momentum by applying pressure across his opponents' stance with Taan Sau.

On the wooden dummy the taan is applied to the outside of the upper arms as you look at it (see top photo). This is because the dummy arms are angled away from the trunk and if you do not successfully get the correct angle of application you will be 'pushed' away by the dummy. This encourages correct placement and good footwork. The strike placed with the taan sau is not as significant as the positioning on the dummy. After all, in a test of hardness the dummy wins every time!!

In the photo below Sifu Bobby Beach (Left) and Sifu Kevin Oldman (right) perform inside gate taan sau. This is considered more hazardous due to the imminent danger from your opponents other arm. However, if you apply the punch to the nose simultaneously with the block the danger is minimised. Taan sau to the inside gate will not remain too close to the centre line, as a punch with even a slight hook will immediately penetrate.

The taan sau outside gate is only for straight punches but it too will move away from the centre when applied WITH a punch as the strike takes priority for support and protection.

Taan Sau can also be performed using the ulna side of the forearm. This variation would rise to block rather than move forward. The technique is ideal for the application on huen or kau sau (circling), but must not be confused with the jum sau.

Taan sau is a useful technique in combination training particularly reinforcing the principles of interception and the common gate change from outside to inside. Moving from inside to outside is possible but requires a very straight punch cutting across your own centre. However, in chi sau training the change from inside to outside is the most common attempted and allows a practitioner to pressure their opponent and gain that necessary advantage whilst moving away and covering the danger from the opponents other arm...