Hsing Yi Chuan: Review of Significant Terms

Hsing Yi Chuan

A Summary of Basic Terms and Applications

Organization and Purpose

This post is a summary of significant terms and ideas I found in my reading of "Hsing Yi Chuan" by Master Liang Shou-Yu and Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming. 

The first half is simply a glossary of important terms discussed in the book which are discussed in the book. These are meant to be referential in purpose.

The second half serves to summarize and interpret the applications of the 5 Element Fists as they are described in the book.

Aside from a comment or two concerning my own curiosity about the text, this information is all derived from the text itself.

Important Terms

• Hsing- The shape, the external movements, imitative of the 12 animals.

• Yi- The mind, both emotional and wisdom combined.

• Chi- Universal Energy; Bio-electrical energy; heat & electromagnetic energy.

• Wu Chi- “No Poles;” a state where nothingness is distinguished from everything else; a state of emotional neutrality free of conflict with the self and others.

• Two Poles- Heaven and Earth, Yin and Yang. 

• Tai Chi- The state of Wu Chi when impulse or motion are is introduced. In this state, Yin and Yang can be differentiated. It means “Supreme Ultimate.”

• Three Bodies- Heaven, Earth, and Man. Head, Spine, Waist. Shoulder, Elbow, Hand. Hips, Knees, Feet. Root, Middle, End.

• Three Postures- Hands, Body, Feet. Head, Body, Legs.

• Four Techniques- Body Techniques, Hand Techniques, Leg Techniques, Stepping Techniques.

• Four Phases- Four basic hand techniques: Head Punch (Tour Chuan), Pluck and Lead (Tiau Liing), Eagle’s Seizing (Ing Juo), and Sticky Hands (Jan Shoou).

• Four Extremities- The Tongue, Teeth, Hair, and Nails.

• Five Patterns- Pi (Chopping Fist), Tzuann (Drilling Fist), Beng (Crushing Fist), Pau (Cannon Fist), and Hern (Crossing Fist). 

• Five Jings- Tsae (Stepping), Pu (Leap), Guoo (Enwrapping), Shu (Binding), Jyue (Thrusting).

• Five Phases- Metal (Lungs), Wood (Liver), Water (Kidneys), Fire (Heart), and Earth (Spleen).

• Six Unifications- Hips, Knees, Feet. Shoulders, elbows, hands. (External) Yi, Hsin (Internal)

• Seven Speeds- Eyes, hands, feet, Yi (Wisdom Mind), postures, advancing and retreating, body movement (Torso)

• Seven Stars- Head, shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees, feet (aka Seven Bodies).

• Seven Followings- Proper body movement. Shoulders push elbows, elbows push hands, hands push fingers. Waist pushes hips, hips push knees, knees push feet. Head pushes the body. Top and bottom are connected. Internal and external are combined.

• Eight Postures- Diing (Press), Tyi (Hold Up), Kow (Arc/Grab), Yuan (Round), Baw (Embrace), Chwei (Drop), Hern (Sideways), Shuenn (Smoothness) Tzuann/Fan (Drill/Turn Over). Also Miin (Acute), Cheu (Bend), and Tiing (Thrust).

• Eight Important Points- There seem to be two version—Internal and external. The internal emphasizes clearing the mind of thoughts and distractions to enter a state of emptiness in which the Chi can flow freely. The points include Hsin Ding (Steady Emotional Mind), Shen Nien (Calm Spirit), Hsin An (Peaceful Emotional Mind), Ching Jiing (Cleanness), Wuu Wu (Nothingness), Chi Hsing (Chi Transportation), Jyue Shing (Stop Imagination), and Jyue Ming (Clear Feeling). The external includes the following.
• Inside must be lifted
• Three centers together
• Three Yis together
• Five Phases must be smooth
• Four extremities must be uniform
• Hsin must be leisurely
• Three tips must face each other
• Eyes must be venomous

Principles

Forms

• Three Bodies Posture
• Pi Chuan
• Tzuann Chuan
• Beng Chuan
• Pau Chuan
• Hern Chuan

Applications

• Pi Chuan: In this book, Pi Chuan seems to be applied as a shoulder lock or palm strike. The basic application is as follows.
1. When a punch is thrown at your face, use the arm closest to it to drill upwards. This redirects the punch from your face.
2. Turn the drilling hand and grip the foe’s arm and pull down towards your center.
1. Simultaneously, step through into a three postures stance with the opposite foot from the catching arm and use the opposite palm to lock the opponent’s shoulder. If pressure is applied, you can dislocate the shoulder.
2. Alternatively, you can strike the opponent’s face with the opposite palm as you pull the foe’s arm down.

• Tzuann Chuan: In this book, Tzuann Chuan seem to be applied as a cross downward block followed by a drilling fist or uppercut to the foe’s chin, nose, or jaw.
1. When the foe throws a fist at your face, block it down with the fist that is to the outside of the foe’s punch.
2. Step forward with the same foot as the blocking hand and hold the foe’s fist down as your free hand drills upward and strikes the foe.

***Note of Curiosity: In this application, the hands are switched from the drill. In the drill of Tzuann Chuan, the drilling fist strike is applied on the same side as the leading leg. In the application, the leading leg is on the same side as the blocking arm, not the striking arm. Perhaps after block, the practitioner can step through with the other leg to strike, or step back as striking in order to perfectly match the drill.

• Beng Chuan: In this book, Beng Chuan seems to be applied as a cross downwad block similar to the one in Tzuann Chuan followed by a stepping fist to the foe’s midsection.
1. When the foe throws a fist at your face, block it down with the fist that is to the outside of the foe’s punch. Direct the punch to the outside with the same hand.
2. Step through with the leg on the same side as the blocking hand and shoot a Beng Chuan Punch to the foe’s solar plexus. 
1. When applying this, your opposite leg should follow the leading leg and step down hard, hitting the ground to bounce the Beng Chuan, thus increasing its power. This is similar to the drill in Beng Chuan in which the rear leg steps up and hits the ground as the fist is launched.

• Pau Chuan: In this book, Pau Chuan seems to be applied as an upward block and punch. 
1. When the opponent throws a punch at your face, use your closest hand to block the punch upwards and lead it to the outside and step to the outside.
2. The other hand punches the foe in the solar plexus with Pau Chuan fist.

• Hern Chuan: In this book, Hern Chuan is applied as a cross block and a side strike with a Hern Chuan Fist.
1. When the foe throws a punch at your face, use your closest fist to block it down and circle it to the outside.
2. Step with your opposite leg and use a Hern Chuan Fist (which sweeps sideways) to strike the foe’s body.

***Note of Curiosity: Similar to the application of Tzuann Chuan, this application reverses the footwork applied in the drill of Hern Chuann. In the drill, the striking hand is opposite of the leading leg. In this application, the striking hand is on the same side as the leading leg.

SOURCE:

Shou-Yu, Liang, and Yang Jwing-Ming. Hsing Yi Chuan: Theory and Applications. Jamaica Plain: YMAA Publication Center, 1990. 

          Print.

Xing Yi Quan 5-Elements Tutorial

Tutorial: Xing Yi Quan 5-Elements

This video link below is an instructional tutorial for the 5-Element Fists of Xing Yi Quan. Enjoy!

Bajiquan: Eight Extremes Fist

Bajiquan: Eight Extremes Fist

The Eight Extremes Fist is a powerful art that emphasizes short range attacks to vital areas on the body. It is characterized by short bursts of power and powerful strikes including elbow strikes. The Eight Extremes is both a philosophical base and also a reference to the Eight Striking Surfaces of Bajiquan--the head, the shoulders, the elbows, the hands, the waist, the buttocks, the knees, and the feet. Below are some links that demonstrate Bajiquan, and also one for the Bajiquan episode of Kung Fu Quest.

White Crane Kung Fu

BAI HE QUAN:

WHITE CRANE KUNG FU

Bai He Quan, White Crane Fist, is an awesome style of kung fu with an importance in history, namely in that it influenced several other styles. Some contend that White Crane Fist helped shape newer martial arts styles such as Karate and Wing Chun. The following video from the series, Kung Fu Quest, demonstrates the relationship between White Crane Fist Kung Fu and Karate/Wing Chun, and it shows various aspects and qualities of the White Crane Kung Fu style.

Training: Xing Yi Quan

TRAINING:
XING YI QUAN

I've decided to add one day in my training cycle to Xing Yi. This workout focuses on the most basic Xing Yi motions, that is, the Three Bodies Posture (San Ti Shi) and the Five Element Fists. What I want to try and remember is that the Three Bodies Posture is meant to help bring balance to the body and that each of the Five Element Motions, when done appropriately, will help increase proficiency of certain motions/energies, and it will also encourage motions that help to encourage balance and health of the bodily organs.

Warm Up: 

Stretching:

• Basic Xing Yi Stretches

Stance Work:

• Practice San Ti Shi Posture (Engage, Hold, Breathe)

Hand Forms:

• Pi Quan
• Zuan Quan
• Beng Quan
• Pao Quan
• Heng Quan

Practice:

Five-Element Routines:

• Pi Quan
• Zuan Quan
• Beng Quan
• Pao Quan
• Heng Quan

Conditioning:

• Basic Stretch and Breathe

Video Links: Southern Dragon Kung Fu

Southern Dragon Kung Fu

Known as Long Xing Quan, Dragon Kung Fu is one of the only animal styles, if not the only animal style, inspired by a mythical creature. It is not as popular or well-known as many of the other styles animal Kung Fu; nevertheless, it is truly amazing.

It is generally considered an internal style, but, as you can see, the training seems very physical and external. Watch the firm application of power, and the firmness of the postures in the following linked videos. Those who do Kung Fu San Soo and Southern Kung Fu Styles in general will see several similarities.

Video: Tiger And Crane Form of Hung Ga Kuen

Tiger and Crane

The Tiger and Crane form forms one of the pillars of the Hung Ga System. It is inspired by the motions of the Tiger and the Crane, which represent hardness (attack/interception/muscular strength/wielding power) and softness (evasion/redirection/flexibility/yielding power). In Chinese Martial Arts, there is usually an emphasis on balancing the Hard and the Soft, Yin and Yang, in order to create more effective techniques. The Tiger and Crane form of Hung Ga Kuen, a southern kung-fu style, does just that. This video is from youtube, and it demonstrates the Tiger and Crane form as performed by Sigung Chiu Chi Ling. If you love old Jackie Chan movies, you may recognize him. His skill is absolutely amazing. Solid and Fluid all at once.

Mantis Kung Fu Video Link: Kung Fu Quest II

TANG LANG QUAN

The Mantis Fist. Yesterday was mantis day (the day when I do my Mantis Fist workout). It being one of my favorite workouts, I am going to revamp the structure of my Mantis Workout post, but first I am going to post this link to an episode of Kung Fu Quest II. Kung Fu Quest is a Chinese series that shows Kung Fu practitioners traveling around China to learn from different masters of different styles. This episode is the Mantis Kung Fu episode. Please enjoy; I know I did.

Video: Snake Fist

SHE QUAN

THE SNAKE FIST

She Quan (The Snake Fist) is one of the many Kung Fu Styles based on animal movements. This is a video I found that shows a traditional Snake Fist form. More to come later. In the meantime, enjoy.

Training: Day of the Snake

TRAINING: 

DAY OF THE SNAKE

Preview:

The snake style is efficient, sneaky, and unconcerned with brute strength. It's about being in the right place at the right time and setting up your opponent. With a simple flick of the wrist, palm, or fingers, you can drastically change an aggressor's destiny. In addition, many snakes constrict and wrap, and some snake styles do just that. These snake stylists can wrap up a foe and break fragile sections of the frame. The snake forms are used with patience and control; the snake doesn't bite if you leave it alone.

My snake inspired workout emphasizes the snake fist, which is basically similar to the spear fist, or a palm with pointed fingers, but often held at an angle in relation to the wrist. The snake fist is used to hit precise targets, and it allows the hands to be quick, which in turn allows the hands to parry, block, or sneak up along the target's limbs to wrap them up. This is the secondary emphasis of this workout--a number of joint locks that can either limit the opponent's movement or disable them to the point where they are no longer able to attack.

The kicks in this workout are low and minimal, as seen in most snake styles.

Warmup:

Windmills: 

• Straight Fingered Palm

Hand Strikes: 

• Snake Strike (Snake Fist)

Leg Strikes:

• Snap Kick
• Side Kick

Practice:

Striking Drills:

1. Hand Redirect and Snake Strike
2. Double Hand Drop and Snake Strike
3. Reverse Step Snake Strike
4. Reverse Step Snake Strike (Inverted Fist)

Locking Drills:

1. Snake Weave to Shoulder Lock
2. Snake Weave to Double Shoulder Lock (End up behind opponent)
3. Snake Weave and Elbow Lock (Forearm as fulcrum)
4. Snake Weave and Inside Wrist Lock (Can lead to drop)
5. Snake Weave and Bent Elbow Drop (Similar to Four Direction Throw)
6. Snake Weave and Chicken Wing Wrist Lock (End Side by Side)

Conditioning:

Arms: 

• Judo Push-Ups
• Reverse Judo Push-Ups

Core:

• Cobras

Reflection:

This snake workout focuses on one of the most precise fists one can apply. The snake fist is meant to hit very specific targets effectively, but if used incorrectly it can be injurious to the practitioner. The key to using the snake fist is accuracy and positioning. The snake fist should not go against the target's force; rather, it should hit from off angles. In this respect, it is very similar to the leopard paw strike. Their main differences, however, are the leopard paw's broader and harder striking surface, which means it can hit more head on, and it's shorter range  The snake strike has longer range and an even more specific striking surface than the leopard strike, and is risky if the target is oncoming.

This snake workout also focuses on the crushing and constricting aspect of the snake. The ability to weave through an opponent's defense (similar to chi sau, or "sticky hands") is required to set up crushing locks that can crack an opponent's structure. This workout puts those skills to practice.

Overall, this is a manipulative style that uses accuracy, positioning, and sensitivity as opposed to brute strength. You don't even have to lift, bro. But you do have to practice.

Hou Quan (Monkey Fist): A Video

HOU QUAN

Hou Quan translates into "Monkey Fist," and it is an awesome style of Kung Fu. Below, I am posting a video of traditional Hou Quan. I hope that you all enjoy it.

Training: Day of the Monkey

Training: 
Day of the Monkey

    Monkey style (Hou Quan) favors a playful nature. It's all about the rolling, turning, feinting, and going for the unexpected. Quick snapping strikes are set ups to sweeps and trips. There is also an element of ground fighting in Monkey Style.

    This is my monkey style inspired training. The focus is on some (very basic) floor mobility motions. The strikes are in the cup hand, hammer, back fist, knuckle rap, and fist forms. The cup hand is meant to be similar monkey claw fist which is basically a loosely opened fist (hand is half-closed). The knuckle rap is applied similarly but for more penetration to soft or small targets.

    The kicks I'm including so far are mostly low, and I include a combination of kicking techniques which is meant to be both evasive and efficient. Also included are sweeping techniques and the scissor drop technique. I used to include crescent kicks.

My monkey style training is as follows...

Warm-Up:

Windmills:

• Hand in cup position.

Strikes:

• Backfist
• Hammer (Vertical)
• Cup strike
• Knuckle Rap
• Fist

Stretching:

• Forward Bend Heel Stretch 
• Forward Lunge/Hip Stretch
• Back Heel Stretch
• Thigh Stretch (Forward Bend)
• Triceps Stretch (Hold Above/Behind Head)
• Heel Stretch Along Wall
• Hamstring Stretch (Hold /w Hand Leg Backwards)
• Hamstring Stretch (Lift and Hold /w Hand Leg Backwards)
• Leg Stretch (Hold /w Hand Forward Crescent)

Kicks:

• Stepping Snapkick
• Inside Crescent Kick
• Turning Side Kick
• Turning Back Kick
• Roundhouse Knee

Footwork:

• Monkey walk
• Stumbling Ape

Groundwork:

• Back Sweeping Kick
• Leg Scissors
• Rolling Leg Scissors

Leap Work:

• Jumping Up
• Arching Jump 
• Arching Jump to Knee Drop

Practice:

Drills:

• Crossblock to Cup/Rap, Backfist with lifted knee
• Rap to knuckles
• Upper Combo to Kick
• Backstep hammer, backhand, palm drop
• Backstep backhand, hammer, backhand, palm drop
• Snap kick, skip heel kick, knee
• Windmill to sweep
• Windmill to scissor
• Leaping Fist

Conditioning:

Push-ups:

• Cartwheels

Core:

• Leg windmills
• Inside
• Outside
• Double In
• Double Out
• Lateral
• High Knee Walking

Reflection:

        The monkey workout is the funnest workout in so far as it involves a lot of rolls and turns. There's a lot of motion and flare. It's unconventional. It doesn't have a serious face; it doesn't seem to take itself too seriously, but it's effective, and it's fun. Monkey Kung Fu is pretty awesome, and I use this workout to emphasize the San Soo techniques that resonate with the monkey's carefree spirit. Both styles definitely embody the notion that when it comes to combat, one doesn't have to be tied down to tradition or convention. When you understand what your body can do, and you train it to move flexibly, you can engage from any angle, any direction, and you can make it work for you. 

Training: Eight-Extremes Day

Training:

Eight-Extremes Day

This workout is different from some of the others because it's not based on one of the animal inspired styles. This workout is inspired by the "Eight-Extremes" style known as Bajiquan. This style emphasizes short-range fighting, and it utilizes elbows, fists, kicks, knees, and even strikes with the hips and shoulders. The stances are held a bit higher than some other types of kung-fu, which in my view make it quite mobile. San-Soo can be a very close-range fighting style, so using "Bajiquan" as an inspiration, I focus on the elements of San-Soo that they have in common--the ability to fight in close and use almost any extremity to defend yourself against an opponent. I also focus the use of short bursts of power, and the ability to use powerful strikes backed by the power of the body working as a single unit.

The following is my "Eight Extremes" inspired routine.

Warmup:

Windmills: 

• Short, Fist.

Arm  and Body Strikes: 

• Forward Punch 
• Side punch
• Ramming Elbow
• Dropping Elbow
• Shoulder Strike (Half Horse and Empty Stance)
• Back Elbow Strike (Half Horse and Empty Stance)

Kicks: 

• Low snap-kick (front and rear)
• Stepping knee

Footwork Exercises:

• Horse to Horse
• Horse to Half Horse to Center
• Half Horse to Half Horse
• Half Horse Stepping (No switch)
• Shooting Horse
• Shooting Half Horse

Practice:

Drills: 

• Elbow Charge (Horse and Half-Horse)
• Elbow Sweeping Drop
• Stepping Fist from Horse
• Back Elbows (Reverse Horse and Empty Stance)

Conditioning:

Stance Holding:

• Hold Elbow in Full Horse
• Hold Fist in Full Horse

Pushups: 

• Diamond

Core: 

• Traditional Situps/Crunches

Overall, I'm going for intense, low/narrow horse, firm half-horse...Full body motion, explosive power. Hit with your entire body--with everything you've got.

Training: Day of the Dragon

TRAINING:

DAY OF THE DRAGON

Preview:

Today I'm posting about my "Dragon Style" workout. It is inspired by Dragon Style Kung Fu, which is one of the only styles with a mythical creatures attributed to it, seen as a combination of different styles (snake, tiger, crane, etc). It tends to emphasize zig-zag footwork, internal power, pressure points, and short ranged attacks that utilize winding power. There are also gripping attacks that emphasize joint manipulation. Many styles employ hissing during the motions. 

The following is my Dragon inspired workout. It employs palms, pressure strikes, hammers, and, now, some basic body manipulations via the Dragon Claw. 

The Dragon Claw Technique is basically a Claw Strike where the fingers are in a similar pattern to the Tiger Claw, but are maintained more straight. It is used to press pressure points and grip the foe's body. In this work-out, it is used to grip and manipulate the skeletal frame.

Also, in this workout I focus on the cross-steps and forward step. I also combined elements of Baguazhang to emphasize an evasive and behind the foe style which takes advantage of proximity, combined with the dragon claw technique. Furthermore, I have added the Dragon Motions of Xing Yi Quan, which also incorporate the locking techniques, the claw techniques, and the cross step.

Warmup:

Windmills: 

• Open hand & Dragon Claw

Fists: 

• Single Palms (Horizontal and Vertical)
• Double Palms
• Middle Knuckle Fists
• Forward Hammer (Horizontal)

Kicks: 

• Low Back Kick
• Low and Mid Hook Kick
• Sneak Back Kick

Basic Drills: 

• Double Palm Pivot
• Circle Walking
• Dragon Walking

Footwork: 

• Front Crossover
• Back Crossover
• Forward Horse (Shoot)

Practice:

Hand Technique Drills:

• Back Crossover Elbow
• Front Crossover Middle-Knuckle Fist & Sweep
• Forward Shoot Middle-Knuckle Fist combo: front, ear, upper pec
• Forward Shoot Double Palm Redirect to Double Palm Strike
• Forward Shoot Double Palm Redirect to Palm Strike (Far or Near Chop)

Leg Technique Drills:

• Low Back Kick to Knee (From Cross, Shoot, and Reverse)

Gripping Technique Drills:

• Reverse Step Pivoting Elbow Throw 
• Circle Step Redirect to Dragon Claw Manipulation (Neck)
• Forward Shoot to Inside Dragon Claw Redirect (Neck)
• Forward Shoot to Outside Dragon Claw Redirect (Neck)
• Forward Shoot to Double Dragon Claw Drag (Neck)
• Step Forward Drill Fist to Cross Step Dragon Claw Arm Lock (Elbow)

Reflection:

The Dragon style is awesome, but it's also the most mysterious to me since Dragon Style is one of the ones I know the least about. Again, this workout is inspired by what I know of this style. Again, inspired is the proper term. I am not a student of any style of Dragon Kung Fu.

The hand techniques are the palms (horizontal and double) to deliver strikes penetrative strikes to the torso and the Middle-Knuckle Fists to strike vital points. The single palms are for quick strikes, the double palms can be used for more impact and also more projection.

Furthermore, I added the horizontal hammer to this workout for it is effectively employed in Southern Dragon Kung Fu, and it is a powerful strike.

The cross steps are employed to give mobility and an ability to attack and evade from all angles. Both the front and back cross steps can be used to set up strikes, sweeps, and kicks. They can switch from one to the other, and they can keep the practitioner moving and turning to feint and strike. They can be quite effective in the arsenal of a crafty user. 

The forward step is also quite important, as is pivoting to create winding power. This is applied here with the knuckle-fist combination. The forward step can also create a powerful forward thrust, as seen in the palm strike application.

In terms of leg attacks, I use this workout to emphasize hooking kicks and back kicks applied from the cross step. However, roundhouse kicks and side kicks are also very applicable from these positions.

All in all, this workout is meant to be versatile just like the chimeric creature of Chinese myth.

Training: Day of the Crane

TRAINING:

DAY OF THE CRANE

Crane Style...elegant, light, and powerful. Focused on speed and flexibility, this work out motivates techniques that can empower the user against threats without focusing on brute strength. On the day of the Crane, I work on my footwork, balance, intercepting windmills, and also a number of strikes particular to the crane.

The Crane focuses on evasion and speed. Indeed, it is a soft style in many ways, but its strikes are formidable. The Crane's Wing is a powerful hit with the forearm, and the Crane's Beak, a multi-finger strike, is also a potent weapon.

The following is my Crane Routine.

Warmup:

Windmills:

• Crane's Beak (Hook)

Hand Strikes: 

• Crane's Wing (Lift)
• Crane's Wing (Drop)
• Crane's Wing (Hammer)
• Palm Strike
• Crane's Beak
• Crane's Neck
• Wing Sweep Strike

Leg Strikes: 

• Snap Kick
• Spring Kick (Heel and Toe)
• Leg Jam
• Crescent Knees

Practice: 

Hand Striking Drills: 

• Crane's Wing Lift Outside
• Crane's Wing Lift Inside
• Crane's Wing Lift (Reverse Step)
• Crane's Wing Drop Outside
• Crane's Beak Hook to Beak
• Crane's Wing Hammer

Kicking Drills:

• Leg Jam 
• Leg Jam Cross
• Inside Leg Sweep
• Side Kick Jam
• Stepping Side Kick

Locking Drills:

• Crane's Beak Lock
• Crane's Wing Sweep
• Crane's Beak Hook to Catch and Knee
• Crane's Beak Combination to Kick 

Conditioning: 

          
Stance Training:

• Crane's Posture (2 Forms)

Core: 

• Half V's

Arms: 

• Triceps with Open Palm

Stretches: 

• Splits

Reflection:

         My crane style workout uses a lot of redirections via the crane's wing and crane's beak hook. Both are meant to move attacks away from their original trajectory in order to open the opponent to attack. 

         With the crane's wing, this can be applied in a soft manner or it can be applied quickly and sharply to inflict damage to the oncoming limb. Either way, the redirection is followed by attacks to subsequently exposed targets, such as palms to chin or  heart, or kicks to the legs or body.

         The crane's hook is slightly different. The hook brings the opponent in closer. The hook itself can also be used to trap and lock the limb that it hooks. Afterwards, the opponent is opened to be struck by arm strikes such as the crane's beak or with leg strikes such as knee strikes. The crane's hook can also help destabilize the opponent's balance, opening them for sweeps and attacks to the lower body.

          Mobility, flexibility, lightness, and speed are the more important aspects of the crane's strategy. The techniques do not require too much "muscle," but they should be applied precisely and with good speed in order to deal quick penetrating damage.

         

Training: Day of the Tiger

TRAINING:

DAY OF THE TIGER

Tiger style...

Just as the Wutang Clan once said, this style is "awesome." And, as Blake said, it is a creation which, in stark contrast to the Lamb, is aggressive and passionate. Call it dichotomy, call it Ying and Yang...it is just as with the martial arts, and the martial artist, there is the gentle side, and there is the brutal side. Tiger style is the latter.

Tiger style is powerful and beautiful, just like the majestic creature that is its namesake. The tiger overwhelms its enemies with power and speed, and this style employs a direct and aggressive approach.

The primary weapon of the style is the tiger claw, which smashes and rakes. However, powerful footwork and skill are as always necessary for the proper application of tiger style techniques.

The following is my tiger inspired workout. Day of the Tiger emphasizes the Tiger Claw, which works as a rake, a palm strike, and a grip. The leg strikes are straightforward and powerful. The routines have three intentions--to seize, incapacitate, or overwhelm. Isometric exercises are for conditioning, and the favored stances in this workout are the half-horse and the full horse.

Enjoy.

Windmills: 

• Tiger Claw Hand

Strikes:

• Tiger Claw
• Tiger Claw Rake (In and Out)
• Tiger Claw Slash

Kicks: 

• Front Kick
• Knee Strike
• Thrust Kick

Conditioning: 

• Isometric Exercise/Dynamic Tension Claw Push in Full Horse and Half Horse

Drills:

• Three Form Windmill Drill

Routines: 

• Entering Tiger Claw 
• Single Trapping Tiger Claw Combination
• Single Trapping Tiger Claw Combination to Kick and Wrist Lock
• Tiger Claw Trap to Shoulder Bust
• Tiger Rush
• Double Windmills to Fist and Claw Combinations (Full and Half Horse)

Pushups:

• Regular Pushups (Hand Open)
• Finger Holds

Reflection:

The emphasis in the techniques revolves around the aggressive use of the Tiger Claw technique. As in Entering Tiger Claw and Tiger Rush, it can be used as an initial strike to completely take an opponent off guard. In the Trapping Claw Combinations, the claws are used to immobilize a foe while proceeding to damage an opponent's. Then, in the Double Windmill Combinations, the claw is used to catch and move arms out of the way in order to apply claw strikes and claw rakes to the body.

As for the footwork, it should be solid and low. The tiger claw workout should place a lot of emphasis on your legs due to using low, strong stances. However, the workout also places a lot of emphasis on the arms. Most of the techniques require good use of the arms to be executed properly.

The mentality of the tiger is to crush immediately. End the conflict with absolute decision. It's one of my favorite workouts.