Bong Sau

I stumbled across this piece about the Bong Sau, a basic technique in Wing Chun and thought it was really good!

Original link: http://www.thechinaboxer.com/forum/general/why-bong-sau-when-you-can-pak-sau/

Text by Sense of touch
www.thechinaboxer.com

Bong Sau isn't just for intercepting, it's also for transitioning, but I wouldn't use it to intercept my opponent before an actual bridge is established; meaning, when the first punch is thrown at me coming from a distance, I would prefer to intercept it with a Pak than a Bong.  Pak would generally be used more often in the distance game and Bong would generally be used more often in the energy game.  In the end, it depends on circumstance.  A Bong also shouldn't consume a lot of energy because you shouldn't stay in it for extended periods of time anyway, espeically not in an actual fight.  I don't see how you would be doing Wing Chun if you discard Bong.  A lot of guiding is done with it.

I also want to add, Bong itself has many variations too.  I mean variations as in different angles.  The individual opponent's size and arm position often determines how high or low you'd Bong.  Bong is also for setting up many elbow strikes in which some of these elbows are done either in the Bong position or they pass through the Bong positition.  Bong is always happening, though it would be nice to be able to get the job done from the beginning through Pak Sau.