I've seen this term 'bridge' training used here and there. What exactly is it? Does it just refer to one exercise or a whole category of exercises? Do you know of any sites with some bridge training exercises?

Thanks a lot,
Mike

Normally "bridge" training refers to training the arms for contact with the opponent's arms. Some of the training is conditioning oriented(striking the arms together in various patterns), and some is technical (how to connect with the opponent's arms then use the contact to set up your own technique).

Most Chinese styles have some variation of these types of training, ranging from hard contact to soft, sensitivity based practice.

Tim summed it up perfectly, just add that the term is probably most synonomous with Southern Mantis styles like Chow Gar, they call it bridge arms (Kiu Sao?). They have solo and two person versions (jongs)to train correct alignment and power generation (co-ordination)according to the arts particular principles (like waist, rib and elbow power). Also to practise feeling opponents energy (intention) to allow simultaneous 'block' and counter.

Fits Tim's description exactly and like he said could apply to many others; Wing Chun and Tai Chi two obvious examples.