06/02/2026
Six distinct hand forms and strikes used in various martial arts, especially Kung Fu and other traditional systems. Each has unique applications and purposes:
1. Willow Leaf Palm
-Use: Striking with the palm or fingers in a slicing, flowing motion.
-Purpose: Disorient or cause pain with speed and precision rather than brute force.
-Common In: Southern Kung Fu styles like Wing Chun and White Crane.
2. Dragon Claw
-Use: Grabbing, ripping, or controlling joints and pressure points.
-Purpose: Control the opponent’s limbs or neck; tear at muscles or nerves.
-Common In: Chin Na (grappling techniques), Eagle Claw, and Dragon style Kung Fu.
3. Vertical Punch
-Use: Punching with the fist vertically aligned (thumb on top).
-Purpose: Fast, direct strikes, especially in close quarters.
-Common In: Wing Chun and Jeet Kune Do (Bruce Lee favored this).
4. Horizontal Punch
-Use: Traditional straight punch with fist horizontal.
-Purpose: Generates power using rotation of hips and shoulders.
-Common In: Karate, Boxing, and general striking arts.
5. Hook
-Use: Circular punch targeting the side of the opponent’s head or ribs.
-Purpose: Devastating impact using torque; often used in close-range boxing.
-Common In: Western Boxing, Kickboxing, MMA.
6. Tiger Claw
-Use: Raking or gripping using open hand with bent fingers.
-Purpose: Tear flesh, attack face or throat, control or unbalance opponent.
-Common In: Tiger style Kung Fu and some forms of Shaolin.