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- Mar 31, 2005
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Why do WC guys hold their hands so far out in front of themselves? Seems really impractical.
Well...that answer will vary. I don't personally advocate lengthening the lead arm but each interpretation has its thing.
What you've got is man sao and wu sao (asking hand and guarding hand resp.). The asking hand is the first line of defense as an attack breaches your threat envelope, followed by the guarding hand just in case. Once an attack is bridged the asking and guard hand change roles a necessary. Typically--the lead hand probes, and provides an opening for the rear hand to attack. Other times the lead hand may attack using leverage to deflect while punching.
The main premise is that WC works off angles, leverage, and flowing with energy as opposed to working directly against it. It also works heavily with the sense of TOUCH. Having the lead hand act as a probe helps instinctive engagement when an attack is bridged.