Chum 沉 – Finding Power in the Crane’s Flap

You’ve likely seen the “crane flapping hand” in Choy Lay Fut forms—a swift, downward‐arc motion that mimics a bird’s wing folding. This movement perfectly captures Chum 沉, the principle of downward movement—harnessing gravity and structure to deflect, control, and strike.

What Is “Chum” in Choy Lay Fut?

“Chum” literally means “to sink” or “descend.” In practice, it covers any downward or circular motion, including:

• Blocks that guide incoming force down and away

• Strikes that drive energy into an opponent’s structure

• Stance-drops that root you firmly and unbalance the attacker

This element underpins both defense and offense, forming a foundation for power generation and control.

Applications of Chum

• Defensive Blocks: Use a downward or circular block (e.g., Chum Q / Chum Choy) to redirect punches or weapon strikes, sinking the attacker’s energy.

• Offensive Strikes: Deliver powerful downward palm or hammer-fist blows to break posture (e.g., to the collarbone or crown).

• Grappling & Control: Apply downward pressure in clinches or throws to off-balance and immobilize.

Training Tips

1. Root Your Stances: In every Chum movement, feel your weight sink from the hips through the legs into the floor.

2. Mind Your Line: Keep your elbow slightly bent on blocks—think of that crane-wing curve.

3. Synchronize Breath: Exhale sharply as you descend or strike downward to engage your core.

4. Flow Into Counters: Practice chaining Chum blocks immediately into follow-ups like Gwa 掛 or Chop 插 to build fluid defense-offense combos.

Technique Spotlight: Chum Q (沉搥)

Also called Chum Choy, this is the classic downward/circular block of Choy Lay Fut.

• Deflects high or straight attacks by sinking and circling the forearm.

• Absorbs and redirects force, setting up counters such as Gwa 掛 (hanging backfist) or Chop 插 (straight punch).

• Trains the feeling of “sinking” energy—use it as a staple drill in your hand-set practice.

Sources

• Ng Family Chinese Martial Arts – Choy Lay Fut Ten Elements – description of Chum as a pressing/slapping deflection en.wikipedia.org

• Home – The 10 Elements of Choy Lay Fut – definitions and context for Chum in Choy Lay Fut

• Kung Fu Magazine Forums – The Ten Elements of Choy Lay Fut – broader discussion of sinking and downward strikes

• Key Points of Crane-Inspired Martial Arts Motifs – analysis of downward-arc “flapping hand” parry