Wing-Chun is purposely designed to overcome the opponent with physical conflicts involving violence: close-range strikes to destroy or to be destroyed. In close-range combative situations, time to react to visual stimuli is very limited. The practitioner depends on reflexes, "feeling" force and probing for holes in the opponent's defense through touching.
Wing-Chun is famous for its trapping hands (Fan-Sao) techniques. The practitioner trains to subdue an opponent by trapping his hands and legs severely in the fight. The method is maintained by initiating an attack, either through a block or a strike, and sticking to and sensing the opponent’s intentions using footwork to gain from one superior position to another. Whatever energy the opponent may supply at the moment of contact is sensed and controlled. At the moment a punch is deflected, rather than letting go, contact is always maintained, so that when the opponent attempts to withdraw or redirect the hand, this is sensed and the motion is used to either facilitate a trap or a strike. If the opponent again reacts and is sensed, the energy is again used to facilitate another trap or strike. A good Wing-Chun practitioner can trap a strong opponent and continue to use the opponent’s energetic attempts to defend or counter to add to the effectiveness of his own close range attacks.
A common Wing-Chun saying is "Greet what arrives, escort what leaves and rush upon loss of contact", pointing out the importance of trapping incoming force and advancing quickly when an opening is sensed.
