So it’s my first post, and my first question. Why not start with the first form.

I have trained in five schools over a period of ten years, and each school I have encountered teaches the Siu Nim Tao slightly differently.

I now know three different variations of the form fluently, and although I’ve been fortunate in that the different styles have been relatively consistent, I can’t help but wonder what I’m missing.

In my first school, my form included several extra techniques and motions, which have been stripped out or adapted by other schools, including a double punch after the double jut sau motion in the second section preceding the double haan sau, and ding sau motions, as well as a very handy little technique I still practice when I’m up close and personal, the Kau Sau (I felt obligated to correct myself here) high Pak Sau.

In my original form, this was taught as the first motion of the third section and was followed by what was called an out side Jut Sau, another technique I still use today (but is not often taught), and finally a strike forward, huen sau, pull back.

The high Pak Sau was used to both pull an opponents arm slightly to disrupt their centre, and defend the head at close range. This is now taught to me as a Pak Sau, return to the centre line and strike forward, heun sau pull back.

Although this Pak Sau motion is often taught to be slightly longer bridge than the Pak Sau in the first section of the form, I can’t help but wonder if it is a little redundant to repeat it here, especially as it doesn’t seem to add anything to the form, whereas I personally feel the Kau Sau taught to me in my first school has proven to be a very useful short range defensive techniques that I think added extra value to the Siu Nim Tau.

It has got me wondering what other motions have been removed and changed over time and if the form I practice today is missing a key part of the puzzle.

Am I over thinking this little idea or is there something missing?