Good article about Chi-Sau training.  What came to mind as I read it?  Some students may have seen only the graphic of the Core Concepts before. This time it is accompanied by a good explanation/example for each concept.  Definitely helps to make more sense out of it all.

I like how one can visualize the WingTsun-CoreConcepts even within the action of a single WT punch!  It unifies the whole thing mentally. Here’s a sequence which I will try:

1) Memorize the punch example you gave as it relates to each concept.
2) Practice very slowly executing a punch in front of the mirror while thinking about the application of each core concept as the punch unfolds.
3) Maintain the image of those short bungee cords attached to elbows & knees, both vertically and diagonally to unify the body movements.
4) Repeat many times. This way it is internalized. It can also be recalled during partner exercises.   

The beauty of it is that the above steps can also be done without getting drained physically. I would suggest that students make a habit of doing all their forms, stepping, chain punches, etc in front of a mirror. Also, experiment once in a while; use your imagination.  If you end up looking foolish sometimes, no one else will know. Trial & error.
In Wing Tsun (Chinese boxing) as in Western boxing, the mirror is your friend!

It having been my first real attempt at Chi-Sau I didn't quite know what to expect.  I found myself frustrated at times with the simple movements and losing focus for a brief moment.  For very brief milliseconds I pondered quitting altogether, because I have so much to learn.  I don't do well with giving up on things I really want, that are achievable.  I then moved to a more motivated feeling to get more into my future training to achieve a mere snippet of your skills.  I was also mesmerized by the simplicity and the effectiveness.  In the end, I just wanted more and if I could have gone on, I would have.  If money and time were no object I would spend time with my child, play in the outdoors and train Wing Tsun non-stop.

I think the first thing that came to mind after reading that blog post is that our skills change, our knowledge changes, our perspective changes, our interpretation changes, and our style/preferences changes. The one thing that remains constant is that training feels just as difficult and confusing (sometimes even more with new ideas) as when we just started.  Perhaps that is the perpetual feeling of the student.  The only time when it gets easy is if one stops being a student, and consequently stops improving.
Now to endure another year of it, to see where we end up the same time again next year.

For me, the training of the mind was the most important thing. I knew before starting that I would be put through the wringer. I knew my hands would get tired. I knew you would make me do continuous chain punches. I knew my stance would not be good with you on the other side. My main thought was to try to remain calm throughout. To maintain my breathing. To stay relaxed, trying to keep my arms continuously "relaxed" (as much as possible anyways). And just focusing on listening to what you were saying and trying to do it. You were making me stretch out my arms longer than the "ideal range", you kept making me sink my elbows simultaneously, physics tells me that it’s not possible :)) ... but i try to do it anyways.
I tried not to think about the time, or how much time is left ... or anything else ...
I know from past experience that there is no such thing as training too much, or that you have learned everything. There is always something to improve on, something to learn how to do better, muscles that need to be relaxed more, etc.
So for me, it was training the mind to ignore the imperfections of the body (responses) ...

Chi-Sau training: I think the difficulty for me is the mental aspect of the training rather than the pain itself. When I weight train, I know how much weight I lift, how many reps and sets etc I did. This gives me a history of my results. With Chi-Sau, the training is very difficult to judge, how far you have progressed, as you don't know your weight number or rep number. There is no number, no comparison to base yourself on. You train us to failure each and every time, even after years of training the 100th time is just as difficult as the 1st time.

Well, basically I have the same feeling after doing Chi-Sau, as I have running for a while. It's sometimes hard, even annoying while doing it but, at the end once it’s done, it feels good. Sometimes I think that's what brings me back to private lessons, and makes me want more, is reaching the climax, is getting through it.

My Kung Fu training, can be likened to a Chi-Sau training session with Sifu. First you don't know what you are doing. However, after a while, you think you kind of know what you are doing. But then everything falls apart, your body hurts, your punch is like a flimsy noodle, and if you thought you knew something, you now realize that it was an illusion. However, with some encouraging words, trust in Sifu's instruction, a lot of sweat and hard work, you realise that although you are not at the pinnacle of Kung Fu awesomeness, you are on the right path and may one day hope to be there ... or somewhere around that vicinity ...  :)

Kung Fu = Hard Work!

For me it seems to work in several ways:
  - adding some more endurance to my shoulder, back and arm muscles
  - helping me to get a feel for the rooted stance, meaning that I can now feel sometimes that I can divert some of the incoming pressure into the ground (or it is only my fantasy?)
  - helping me build will power (resist the urge of quitting, persist in trying to perform a proper Tan-Sau/Bong-Sau, etc. )
  - sometimes I can feel that, for example my Fok-Sau improved after one/several private lessons. This happens in group class.
I realize that I am only in the "build some stamina" phase, so I will try to give no interpretation of my fighting skills :)

The Chi-Sau training ... It seems necessary to note that it is indeed the manner in which the Chi-Sau is trained, rather than the specific (WT) Chi-Sau sections.  The way we train Chi-Sau at Wing Tsun Vancouver is quite different to the manner in which I trained in other WT schools.  The sections are of course the same, but the increased attention to detail and focus on real results under pressure (mental or physical) is what's really different. 
 
Chi-Sau training under this increased pressure has really improved my overall skill in dealing with other students. The varied "leaving no level of pressure untrained" approach at Wing Tsun Vancouver improves skill confidence in all teaching situations, from fun playing around to "being tested" : )
Training Chi-Sau this way can be a humbling pill to swallow, and was for me when I first moved here, but the results are worth it!

With every step forward in WT Kung Fu training, there is a different lens through which I look at this martial art and its training methods.  I have realized that Chi-Sau is not only a type of biofeedback training method, needed to understand why and how movements are done.  Now, my eyes have been opened to the myriad of possibilities with Chi-Sau training.  The biggest challenges I have faced thus far are: 
 
1) Strengthening a body structure and becoming more powerful
 
I’m no longer so naïve to think that “you don’t need strength in Wing Chun/Tsun”, because strength and power is clearly a necessity for effective combat skills in self-defense strategies.
 
2) Balancing on my own two left feet
 
Yes, I know it’s been years since I learned how to walk, but this is a bit different, really ... constantly re-adjusting equilibrium is challenging!
 
3) Releasing the proper force with the correct “timing, distance, coordination, etc.”
 
When the path is clear, yadda yadda yadda – easy for me to say, but can I do it in training, let alone in a real-life situation?  Pretty tough so far!
 
These are but 3 of an ever-growing list of things for me to learn and improve upon with each Chi-Sau session.