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TIGER KUNG FU

FIERCE TIGER FORM

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Contents

1.

WHAT IS TIGER CLAW KUNG FU? ....................................................................................................... 3

2.

POSTURE .................................................................................................................................................. 5

3.

POWER ...................................................................................................................................................... 8

4.

THREE COMPONENTS ........................................................................................................................... 9

5.

DEVELOPMENT OF FA QIN ................................................................................................................. 10

6.

TIGER CLAW TECHNIQUES ................................................................................................................ 12

7.

PUNCHING TECHNIQUES ................................................................................................................... 28

8.

KICKING TECHNIQUES ....................................................................................................................... 32

9.

ELBOW TECHNIQUES .......................................................................................................................... 37

10.

KNEE STRIKES ................................................................................................................................... 39

11.

STANCES ............................................................................................................................................. 41

12.

TRAINING EXERCISES ..................................................................................................................... 44

13.

FIERCE TIGER FORM STEP BY STEP FORM .............................................................................. 45

14.

DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT .......................................................................................................... 57

Licensed to Eric Bonilla. Email address: [email protected]

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1. WHAT IS TIGER CLAW KUNG FU?

Ferocity of the tiger

Tiger Claw Kung Fu is inspired by the ferocity of the tiger

in attacking its prey, leaping action and agility. The

techniques of the style have significant offensive and

defensive applications. It is a popular style of Kung Fu in

Southern China and Hong Kong.

Tiger Kung Fu practitioners harnesses the spirit and

dignity of the tiger in the forms and using the tigers ferocity and intensity as a source of inspiration

to drive their actions. The techniques of the style are ferocious, especially the focus on tearing into

the opponent and going for his eyes and throat. The fire in the eyes of Tiger Kung Fu practitionersresemble that of a dangerous tiger stalking its preys every move.

The Tiger is one of the Five Animals commonly practiced in Kung Fu, the others being Dragon,

Leopard, Snake and Crane. The emphasis of Tiger Kung Fu is on strengthening the bodys skeletal

structure, namely the fingers, hands and forearms.

The Tiger Claw should be conditioned to be like iron. It should be capable of absorbing any hit as

well as being able to exert great force when gripping or attacking.

Using the entire body to generate power

Every move should be done using the entire body into the strike. Power comes from turning of the

waist transmitting the power from the feet to the hands and finger tips. This results in a tough but

elastic power that carries a whipping power with every strike.

All actions in Tiger Kung Fu have dignity, purpose and power. They are never half-hearted or

hesitant. The eyes are angry like that of the tiger. The tiger strikes with no mercy and only with the

intent to kill.


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Tiger Claw

Tiger Kung Fu relies mainly but not exclusively on the versatile Tiger Claw, with an emphasis on

conditioning the fingers to seize as well as to main.

The Tiger Claw can grip the opponent in an iron grip such that the Tiger Kung Fu fighter can pull the

opponent in any direction at will. The Tiger Claw can also dig into the flesh of the opponent to draw

blood or paralyze the limb to which it has a hold on. For more advanced fighters, the Tiger Claw can

be used to target pressure points or cause blindness.

Besides gripping, the Tiger Claw can also be adopted to hit with great force. The back of the Tiger

Claw can whip the opponent. The ridge of the finger-joints can be adapted to strike as the Leopard

Paw against narrow targets.

Less emphasis on high kicks

The Tiger Kung Fu fighter relies mainly on his hand techniques to carry the fight. Kicks rarely go

above the waist, and are used mainly to distract or trap the opponent.

Breathing

Each breath must go to the Dan Tien. Exhale on hitting or applying force. Inhale when parrying orabsorbing the force of the opponents attack.


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2. POSTURE

Tiger Kung Fu has specific requirements in relation to the different parts of the body.

Head

The head should be upright, as if pressing upward against an object. The head should not drop down

or wobble from side to side. An upright head leads to an upright posture for the rest of the body.

However, being upright does not equate to being rigid. The head should not be stiff but should

flexibly adapt to what the body has to do.

The eyes should look to the front, with the unwavering strength of a tiger. The eyes should be aware

of everything that is happening to the front and sides.

The lips should be tight. Keep your mouth closed with the teeth clenched lightly. Exhale through the

teeth when exerting force. Inhale through the nose. Dont open your mouth wide. Bring the teeth

closes the circuit, so to speak, and allow for better circulation of energy flow in the body.

Neck

The neck is upright and not soft. The neck of a Tiger Kung Fu fighter is strong but not rigid, and able

to adapt to the situation.

Shoulders

The shoulders, together with the wrists and elbows, form the three main joints of the arm. Every

technique in Tiger Kung Fu involves either the transmission of force from the hands to the body or

the order way round in defense or attack. The shoulders should be relaxed so as to allow power to

flow freely.


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Elbows

The elbows should be sunk and slightly pointing outward

for maximum power transmission from the shoulders to

the wrists. The distance between the two elbows should be

just slightly greater than shoulder length. Relax the elbows

and dont let the elbows end up touching the body in any

manner This is to maximize freedom of movement when

it comes to swinging the Tiger Claw and applying other

techniques against the opponent.

Wrists

The wrist joint is the most flexible joint in the entire body.

It has the greatest degree of movement. The wrists must

remain highly flexible. The purpose of Tiger Kung Fu

training is to make the wrists as hard as iron, but also as flexible as silk so that the wrists can switch

from parrying a hit, to seizing an opponent to digging the Tiger Claw into the opponent at a

moments notice. When applying the Tiger Claw, the wrist should be slightly (not fully) bent so that

power can be transmitted more easily into the finger tips.

Back

The back should be slightly hunched so as to give the impression that the chest is tucked in. Relax

and let the muscles along your back sink downward. This position allows for greater attacking

power and speed over time.

Chest

Because the back is hunched slightly, the

impression is that the chest is tucked inward. The

shoulders are relaxed and point forward-inward

slightly in order to tuck in the chest. The effect of

this is that it helps the lungs draw more oxygen

from each breath, giving better stamina.


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Abdomen

The key is to have a solid abdomen. This does not mean a rock hard abdomen but a well trained Dan

Tien that can generate great power and withstand blows. The Dan Tien is considered in Kung Fu to

be the reservoir of Chi (internal strength) within the human body.

Like other styles of Kung Fu, Tiger Kung Fu requires each breath to sink to the Dan Tien. The

abdomen rises with each inhalation, and sinks with each exhalation. Over time the abdomen becomes

highly flexible, elastic and strong enough to withstand blows. It also becomes capable of generating

great explosive force into each strike.

Waist

The waist is the motor that allows the transmission of power from the lower body with the upper

body. It is the source of much of the explosive power in Tiger Kung Fu. The waist should be upright

and stable (but not stiff) so that you remain in control of your center of gravity, and not over commit

into each strike or defense and lose balance. Push the waist into each hand strike for added power.

Torso

The torso covers the hips, buttocks and groin and is the weakest part of the human body. In Tiger

Kung Fu, the buttocks should be tucked in so as to not allow energy to dissipate.

Legs

The legs are the pillars of the body and incorporate three joints, namely the hips, knees and

ankle/foot. Each plays an important part in maintaining mobility.

The power of the waist in fighting is linked to the suppleness of the hips. The hips should

remain relaxed at all times so that the waist and legs can move freely and quickly

The knees can inflict some of the most useful techniques in Tiger Kung Fu such as the knee

strike and knee block. The height at which you fight is linked fundamentally to the degree to

which your knees are bent. For this reason the knees should likewise be as relaxed as possible.

The knees should never go beyond the feet so as to maintain a stable center of gravity.

The shape of the ankle and foot determines the effectiveness of your footwork and stance. As

elaborated in the Stances section below, different stances require different feet positioning

and distribution of body weight to be effective.


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3. POWER

Sensitivity

Power in Tiger Kung Fu consists of two parts unleashing power against the opponent and

anticipating the power from the opponent.

While Tiger Kung Fu imitates the ferocity of the tiger in its actions, the power within the style is

strong but not rigid. Each technique carries with it a blend of hardness and softness such that it can

serve both offensive and defensive purposes at the same time.

An example is the straight line Tiger Claw strike. The Tiger Claw digging into the opponents flesh is

as strong and unrelenting like a steel hook. Yet the bent elbow delivering the strike also inherentlydenies the opponent easy access to your own midsection, and the shape incorporated within it the

potential to deflect counter-strikes. The bent wrists and elbows also carries within it the ability to

inflict further strikes such as palm thrusts or punches should the need occur.

The key to unleashing power is therefore being able to adapt to the hardness and softness of the

opponents technique and situation. If the opponent deflects your initial Tiger Claw strike (i.e. a

manifestation of softness in his part) you adapt your Tiger Claw into a thrusting palm and carry on

relentlessly with additional strikes (i.e. a manifestation of hardness on your part).

On the other hand, if the opponent parries your Tiger Claw and counter-strikes with a punch (i.e. a

manifestation of hardness on his part) you can adapt your Tiger Claw strike to parry and protect your

vital targets (i.e. a manifestation of softness on your part)

The relationship between hardness and softness is therefore dynamic and ever flowing. However, the

key to being able to understand how it works is the ability to sense the ebb and flow of your

opponents intentions before he actually strikes.


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4. THREE COMPONENTS

The three building blocks of effectiveness in Tiger Kung Fu are absolute strength (the concept of

Qin in Chinese), speed and technique.

Speed:

A bullet can cause damage even though it may have a small mass simply because it travels at a great

speed. Speed is an important component to Tiger Kung Fu because the force of the entire body is

often focused at the finger tips through the Tiger Claw. Speed can come only from the proper

unleashing of absolute strength (i.e. Fa Qin, explored below).

Strength:

Strength means how much power can be projected through your muscles and relates to both absolutestrength and stamina. If the speed and technique between two people are the same, the one with the

greater strength and stamina will always prevail.

Technique:

The other component of course is technique. By practicing the techniques of Tiger Kung Fu

repeatedly, your muscles would be conditioned to use such techniques as second nature, thereby

adding to the speed of your attack and defense.


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5. DEVELOPMENT OF FA QIN

1 2

Hold hands by side of waist in Horse

Stance, feet shoulder-width apart. Relax

your entire body. Bend knees. Inhale

through nose. Exhale through mouth. Let

the breath sink into the Dan Tien.

Visualize your feet as being planted to the

ground.

Draw up the Chi and visualize pushing

the energy downward from the waist into

the ground through the feet. Outward

appearance remains unchanged

3 4

Rise slowly. Visualize recycling the

energy back from the feet into the upper

body.

Extend both hands to the front, fingers

apart as Tiger Claws. Visualize letting

your energy flow into the mid-finger-tip

and dissipating from there outward into

the other finger-tips.


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Repeat the above exercise as often as possible. Over one to two years, you should be able to sense a

strong energy flow into your finger-tips with the last push.

It is important that with every Fa Qin your feet feel extremely stable and planted to the ground (but

not stiff). The legs are the platform upon which power is released. If your legs are stable, so would

your center of gravity and you can count on an even, unceasing force being released. If not, your

center of gravity would fluctuate and give rise to a less focused power.

In combat, the release of power is preceded by a highly relaxed muscle state. As you are about to

project power tense up your mood like that of a ferocious tiger about to tear into its prey. This incites

an adrenalin rush that combined with your Fa Qin would generate added power into each strike. At

advanced levels, you should be able to feel your joints snapping with the surge in power.


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6. TIGER CLAW TECHNIQUES

Introduction

The Tiger Claw is the signature hand technique of Tiger Kung Fu. It

is formed by spreading the fingers, with each curled inward at the

mid-section. The uses of the Tiger Claw are elaborated below.

1-Grasping

The Tiger Claw can be used to grasp the opponent and inflict great pain in itself. The grasping of the

opponents hair can cause intense pain. Because the head is an integral part of the human body, if it is

seized the entire body can only follow.

The human arm is divided into 3 key joints, namely the wrists, elbows and shoulders. Because the

arm is an essential element to a persons defense, grasping the wrists will cause the opponent to

submit to your blows.

Suddenly grasping the opponents clothes can lead to the opponent being momentarily distracted and

lead to openings for follow-up attacks.

Reference: Figure 4 and 5 of the Form

1 (Fig. 4) 2 (Fig. 5)


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Example 1 Punch and parry

1 2

Blue parries and seizes Reds punch then immediately follows up with a Tiger Claw to dig into Reds

face.

Example 2 Kick and parry

1 2

Blue parries and seizes Reds kick then immediately shuffles forward to hit the knee of Reds

supporting leg with a low Side-Kick.


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2- Seize and pull / Locking

The seize and pull technique is an extension of the grasping concept above and is applied to pull the

opponent off-balance once a solid grasp has been made. The pull could be made in any direction.

Where the hair has been seized, the seize and pull could tear the tear and scalp off the opponents

head causing intense pain and destroying the opponents impetus to fight. It could also cause the

opponent to lose his balance and fall into a follow up strike.

Pulling where the wrist has been seized would cause the opponent to fall over, or lend itself to a

powerful strike such as a kick to the ribs.

The concept of locking in Tiger Kung Fu means to squeeze inward using all fingers of the Tiger Claw,

including the thumb. When applied at the throat, it can cause asphyxiation and death. Where the

groin is targeted it can destroy the opponents will to continue the fight. Because it can be hard to be

very accurate in the heat of battle, it is used mainly as a feigning move to mask a subsequent attack.


1 (Fig. 14) 2 (Fig. 15)


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Example Hitting from the side

1 2

Blue has initiated an attack by feigning to lock Reds throat. As Red hesitates and lifts his hand to

protect himself, Blue then hits from the side with a Hook Punch to bypass the situation to the front

and knock out Red with a strike to the temple.


1 (Fig. 11) 2 (Fig. 12)

Example Hitting high and low

1 2

In this example, Blue has locked or attempted to lock Reds throat. While Reds attention is

distracted as he attempts to break free, Blue snaps out a low kick to Reds mid-section.


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3 - Covering / Masking Claw

The use of the Tiger Claw to cover or mask the entirety of the opponents face is to inflict blindness

by digging in the index and mid fingers into the opponents eyes. The force of the palm hitting the

face can also be used to break the opponents nose. Alternatively the fingers can dig into the flesh to

cause scarring.

The focus of covering is on causing injury rather than control; although naturally it lends itself to

follow up moves, especially those that target the lower body areas since these would be left wide

open as the opponents attention is drawn upward.


1 (Fig. 8) 2 (Fig. 9)

Example Covering claw attack

1 2

Blue seizes Reds arm with his left Tiger Claw. He then pulls inward and hit Reds face for a

Covering Claw attack. The index and mid fingers are aimed at the eye-sockets, and the face of the

palm strikes hits at the opponents nose. This is a vicious attack used to deliberately maim the

opponent, and so should only be used with great reluctance. It also requires a deal of accuracy to get

right If wrongly applied, you could just as easily injure your fingers by hitting them against the

opponents skull.


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1 (Fig. 6) 2 (Fig. 7)

Example Continuous masking claw

1 2

Blue attempts to seize Reds face with a Masking Claw. Red instinctively raises his hand in defense.

Blue continues to seize Reds face with his other hand. By repeating this process Blue seizes the

initiative and denies Red any opportunity to counter-attack effectively.


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1 (Fig. 34) 2 (Fig. 35)

Example

1 2

Blue feigns by trying to mask Reds face with the Tiger Claw. As Red tries to block, he becomes

momentarily distracted and Blue swiftly capitalizes on this with a chopping Tiger Claw to the side of

Reds head.

An alternative attack would be to hook inward with Blues right fist to hit Red behind the ear,

delivering a similarly powerful strike. Blue could also have hit low with a groin kick while Red was

momentarily distracted with the initial strike to the face.

Besides the neck, the opponents hair and clothes can also be seized for the pull inwards. Be flexible

and adapt according to the circumstances of the fight.


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4 Pushing / Stabbing

The Tiger Claw can be used to push upward (using the base of the palm) at the opponents jaw to

cause dislocation. A successful application of this technique would cause intense pain and deter the

opponent from attacking further. A proper application of pushing can also cause the opponent to fall

over.

The Tiger Claw can also be adapted used to stab at the opponents eyes. In this case the fingers are

bent such that only the mid-joint of each finger (excluding the thumb) protrudes. This type of hand

shape is also known as the Leopard Paw.

When applied against the eyes, it can cause blindness. If used to hit at the opponents throat it can

break his windpipe causing asphyxiation. The Leopard Paw can also be used to hit at the groin

causing massive pain.


1 (Fig. 22) 2 (Fig. 23)

Example Stabbing the throat

1 2

By pushing Reds head backwards after seizing it, Blue opens up Reds throat for a quick stabbing

strike to the throat with the Leopard Paw.


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Example Feign a stab to the eyes to lead into an attack to side of head/ear

1 2

Blue and Red faces off against each other. As Red is on guard, it is hard for Blue to land a hit easily.

Blue feigns a stabbing Tiger Claw with his left hand at Reds eyes, causing Red to flinch and

become momentarily distracted. He then follows with a right chopping Tiger Claw to hit Reds ear.

Example Feign a stab to the eyes to lead into a low side-kick

1 2

Kicks in Tiger Kung Fu are aimed low at the opponents shin or knee, or at the mid-section. This is to

allow for easy recovery should the kick be unsuccessful. Kicks aimed at the mid-section also have a

wider target area, and so has a higher probability of success.

In this example, Blue feigns high with a stabbing Tiger Claw attack to draw Reds attention, before

hitting low with a shin kick.


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5 - Whipping

The back of the Tiger Claw can also be used to whip at the opponent. A convenient target is the nose,

which doesnt take much to break. Because the force is generated at short distance, a whipping attack

against the nose would often take the opponent by surprise especially if the opponent has already

been distracted.

Because people can only defend against what they can see, a whipping strike to the groin below the

opponents line of sight would often be undefended and allow for further attacking combinations.

Reference Fig. 37 and 38 of the Form

1 (Fig. 37) 2 (Fig. 38)


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6 - Chopping

The Tiger Claw can be used to chop vertically or horizontally at the opponent. The technique could

be used offensively or defensively.

In terms of attack, common targets include the neck, nose and ear. If the nose is hit, the force of the

strike could dizzy the opponent or render him unconscious outright due to its proximity to the brain.

If the ears are hit it could lead to deafness.

Chopping with the Tiger Claw is applied defensively in terms of blocking or deflecting against a

punch or a leg. In both cases, the idea is to follow up quickly with a counter-attack and seize the

initiative from the opponent.


1 (Fig. 75) 2 (Fig. 76)


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Example Using the whipping attack to gain an advantage quickly

1 2

Blue whips Reds face with the back of his left Tiger Claw. The whipping strike is made with the

lead hand because it is the closest to the opponent and thus can reach its target fastest. Even if Blue

fails to seize anything it still has the effect of distracting Red and disrupting his impetus, allowing for

a quick Straight Punch or Tiger Claw attack as a follow up.

In this case Blue then seizes and presses outward to open up the side of Reds neck to a chopping

strike with the right Tiger Claw. Because the neck is one of the most fragile parts of the human body,

this attack could easily be fatal or at least render Red unconscious.


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7 - Downward-Parry

As its namesake suggests the parrying claw is used mainly to parry offensive strikes from the

opponent. It consists of a flowing downward strike that steals the energy from the opponents attack

and dissipates it. As such it could be used against kicks and punches from the opponent.


1 (Fig. 14) 2 (Fig. 15)

Example 1 Using the downward parry to move and attack the opponents head from behind

1 2

In this example Blue parries Reds punch downwards then exploits the opening created in Reds

upper-level by stepping to Reds outside periphery and hitting the back Reds head with a chopping

Tiger Claw. The shock of the attack could easily render Red unconscious or be otherwise fatal.


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Example 2 Using the downward parry to set up a straight punch

1 2

Blue parries Reds kick downwards. He then shuffles forward to hit Red in the face with a right

Straight Punch. The key is to move forward the moment the parry is made to deny Red any time to

recover his impetus and continue attacking.


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8 - Upward-Parry

This is similar to the Downward-Parry except the force of the opponents attack is parried upwards

instead of downwards.

Where a more active effort is made to push the opponents hand upwards, it is known as a Lifting

Claw. This can be used against the opponents forearms and/or legs, and would be combined with

follow on techniques to topple the opponents center of gravity, causing him to fall.


1 (Fig. 9) 2 (Fig. 10)

Example 1 Upward parry and kick

1 2

In this example Blue parries Reds punch upwards then exploits the opening created by hitting Reds

leg with a low side-kick with his front foot at lightning speed. NB: The attack could have used the

secondary back foot, although this would have taken longer since it is further away from the target.


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Example 2 Upward parry and attack to mid-section

1 2

Blue parries Reds arm outwards, exposing Reds mid-section for an attack with Blues right hand.

The key here is to engage Reds attack as quickly as possible with the lead hand and then follow up

quickly.


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7. PUNCHING TECHNIQUES

Straight Punch

In Tiger Kung Fu, the fist is formed by curling the four fingers

inward toward the palm face, with the thumb gently pressing over

the index and mid fingers. Contact is made with the index and mid

knuckles. Common targets include the head, heart, groin and ribs.

Because it travels in a straight line it has the added advantage of

being very quick. As such it is commonly used as a feigning move

to distract the opponents guard and open up opportunities for other strikes.

1 - Use as opening strike


1 (Fig. 47) 2 (Fig. 48)


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Example Straight Punch attack

1 2

After seizing Reds neck, Blue pulls Red inward for a Straight Punch. The Straight Punch can be

aimed at the opponents eyes, nose or mouth, depending on the nature of injury you wish to inflict.

As the Straight Punch travels in a straight-line it is the fastest of the follow up attacks. However,

because an opponent is likely to raise his hands in an endeavor to break free, the Straight Punch may

also therefore not be readily available in most cases.

Be flexible Besides seizing the neck, Blue could have seized Reds wrist and pulled him inwards

for the strike too.

Example Straight Punch feign with Uppercut

1 2

In this case, Red maintains a frontal guard that would make it hard for a Straight Punch to get

through on its own. Blue feigns the Straight Punch, then follows up with an Uppercut to hit Red in

the mid-section.


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2- Hook Punch

The Hook Punch traverses in an arc along the horizontal plane. Contact is made with the index

knuckle and targets the temple and ears of the opponent. Because it has to travel a relatively longer

distance than the straight punch, it is best used after the opponent has been sufficiently distracted or

immobilized.


1 (Fig. 50) 2 (Fig. 51)

Example Hook Punch after distraction

1 2

After seizing Reds neck, Blue pulls Red downwards. Sensing danger Red instinctively covers his

face. Blue therefore launches a Hook Punch to hit Red from the side, bypassing his frontal guard.


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3 - Uppercut

The uppercut swings to hit the opponent in an upward arc. It hits at the jaw, heart, groin and ribs. It is

commonly used as a knock-out blow once the opponent has been sufficiently distracted or

immobilized. If used as an initial attack it carries the risk of being countered easily.


1 (Fig. 42) 2 (Fig. 43)

Example Uppercut after feigning to draw out opponents guard

Blue feigns with a Tiger Claw to Reds face. As Red tries to block Blue immediately seizes Reds

wrist with his left Tiger Claw, and opens him up for an Uppercut with his right fist.

1 2 3


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8. KICKING TECHNIQUES

1 - Groin kick

The groin kick is made in an upward motion, with toes point up. Contact is made with the tip of the

shoe and hits the soft targets such as the groin and abdomen. The idea is not to hit at hard targets as it

could result in injury.


1 (Fig. 62) 2 (Fig. 63)


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2 - Side-Kick

The Side-Kick transmits the power from the turning of the waist and feet into the heel of the foot as

it snaps out at the opponents mid-section (hitting at the heart, ribs and lungs) or shin. Kicks in Tiger

Kung Fu rarely go for the head due to the need to maintain a stable center of gravity.

Because considerable movement is involved, it should be used only when the opponents guard has

been sufficient distracted or opened otherwise you would easily open yourself to counters from the

opponent.

In a defensive context, the Side-Kick could be used to intercept the opponent before his kick. It could

also be used as an opening move to put the opponent out of action before the fight has started.

For beginners and novices, much of their attention is spent guarding their upper body thus a sharp

and crisp Side Kick would often catch them by surprise.


1 (Fig. 65) 2 (Fig. 66)


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Example Hitting high and low

1 2 3

Blue feigns with a punch to distract Red, then pulls and kicks at Reds midsection at the same time.

Because Reds attention had been distracted by the seizing of his arm, he would have been surprised

by the sudden low strike. This is a quick and effective way to end a fight quickly.

Example Hitting low then high

1 2 3

Red maintains a defensive guard position that would be difficult for Blue to break through. Blue

initiates with a low shin kick This causes Red to become momentarily distracted, which Blue

exploits by following up with a Whipping Strike with the back of his Tiger Claw. The kick could

have been also been groin kick The key is to draw Reds attention low then hit high.


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3 - Front Kick


1 (Fig. 67) 2 (Fig. 68)

The Front Kick is made with the front of the foot to hit at the opponents knee or mid-section. At low

levels it is even less detectable than the shin kick since technically it can be made without turning the

body. As such it is ideal as an opening move although greater effort has to be made to focus the strike

since the hitting area is smaller than the Low Side Kick.

Example - Use as an opening strike, with feigning punch as cover

1 2 3

Blue seizes Reds arm with both hands, then pulls and snaps out a Front Kick at Reds abdomen at

the same time. The forward leg is used because it is closer to the opponent, and can be snapped out to

reach its target quicker.


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4 - Stomp

The Stomp drives the power of the body weight downwards and stabs it at the flat of the opponents

foot, causing intense pain and shock. However it is rarely used because it carries too much action and

needs greater attention to accuracy than the similar Shin Kick.


1 (Fig. 67) 2 (Fig. 68)

Example Use of the stomp

1 2

Blue seizes Reds arm with both hands, then stomps downward at Reds foot. Because Red would

have been distracted by the seizing of his arm, he is unlikely to be able to defend against the

subsequent stomp. The whole of your body weight should be placed into the strike so as to cause

paralyzing pain that renders the opponent unable to fight.


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9. ELBOW TECHNIQUES

1 - Upward Elbow

The Horizontal Elbow is swung upward and is used as an upward close range attack against the

opponents jaw or chest. It is especially useful if you are rising from a lower position to that of your

opponent, or if your opponent has a higher center of gravity than you, in which case you can knock

him off balance.

Reference: Fig. 30 and 31 of Form

1 (Fig. 30) 2 (Fig. 31)

Example Using the elbow strike to counter close range

1 2

After blocking Reds kneeing attack, Blue swings upward with his Upward Elbow to Reds face.

Because of the extreme short range, Red would have little room to escape the strike.


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2 - Thrusting Elbow

The Thrusting Elbow strikes at extreme close range, usually aimed at the opponents head. Because

of its power and extreme short distance, it is extremely accurate and fast, making it one of the most

popular strikes in an up close and personal encounter.


1 (Fig. 31) 2 (Fig. 32)


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10.KNEE STRIKES

Like the Elbow Strikes, Knee Strikes can be used offensively and defensively. It can be used to hit

upward at the groin, or combined with a grab The opponent can be pulled downward for a knee

smash to the head or mid-section. Because it hits from a close range the Knee Strike is highly

accurate.

In defending against a kick the raised knee can cushion the blow from the opponent as well as

allowing you to snap out with a kick of your own with little warning.


1 (Fig. 35) 2 (Fig. 36)

Example 1 Use of Knee Strike

1 2

After seizing Reds neck with both hands, Blue forcefully pulls Red downwards for a Knee Strike to

the face. The use of both hands gives a stronger grip and a more forceful downward movement. It

also results in better balance as the Knee Strike is made from the One-Legged Stance.


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Because the force is applied from opposite directions, as well as the fact that the knee strike is made

at nearly point-blank range, the opponent has little opportunity to evade. Further, the application of

the upward-downward motions acting in tandem means the force of the impact is significantly

increased.

If the opponent doesnt yield fully to the downward pull, the knee strike can aim for the mid-section /

abdomen, causing perhaps less serious injury but ending the fight equally quickly.


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11.STANCES

Stance Training

Stance training plays an important part in Tiger Kung Fu. Even if your hand techniques are strong, if

you cannot move yourself quickly enough into position in time to exploit the opponents weaknesses

you would have let the best opportunities slip from you. As such, stance training should be given

greater priority than technique training early on.

Horse Stance

The Horse Stance is the most common stance in Tiger Kung Fu. You can easily advance or retreat,making it ideal for defense or offense. There are two types, namely the Frontal Horse Stance and

Side Horse Stance.

Frontal Horse Stance Side Horse Stance

The upper body faces forward. Bend both

knees slightly and point the knee-cap and feet

forward, in the direction the head is facing.

Turn the upper body is turned to the side. The

knee cap and foot of the leading leg should

point in the direction the head is facing. The

knee cap and foot of the back leg should

point to the side.


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Forward Stance

The Forward Stance is mainly used for attack. The

leading leg is bent at the knee, with the entirety of

the foot on the ground, toes pointing forward. The

supporting back leg is straight with the foot

pointing outward.

Kneeling Stance

This is similar to the Forward Stance, except the

supporting back leg is bent as well Thus the

bodys center of gravity is lowered into a

kneeling position. Only the toes of the back foot

touch the ground.

Cat Stance

The front leg is bent, with the toes touching the

ground slightly. The weight of the body is

distributed 60:40 between the back leg which is

bent and the front leg.


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One-Legged Stance

The raised leg is bent at the knee, while the

supporting leg is entirely straight. Despite its

seemingly vulnerable state, for skilled practitioners

this can actually be both a defensive and offensive

technique, as a kick can be snapped out quickly

while the thigh is also raised to guard against any

kicks to the groin or mid-section.


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12.TRAINING EXERCISES

Finger-Strengthening exercise

With your hands on the ground in the Tiger Claw position,

crawl forward on the ground. Over time, this has the effect of

strengthening your fingers, making them able to hold your

opponent in a vice-like grip.

Pushups

Another way to strengthen the fingers is to do push-ups using the Tiger Claw. Lower your entire

body to the ground, without actually touching. Then push

upwards from the Tiger Claw until the arms are complete

straight.

Practice this using both hands, than one hand, and at different

speeds your fingers. Once you are comfortable, gradually

move towards 3 fingers then 1 finger. The idea is to condition

your fingers to grip with crushing force. An alternate way to

train is to hold the push-up in a static position for a significant

period of time. Both ways would have the effect of increasing

the strength of your Tiger Claw.

Sandbags

Besides strength training, your fingers and hands must also be conditioned to have a feel of how to

grip real moving objects. Fire your Tiger Claw repeatedly every day to crush sandbags of different

sizes. This would give you a feel of how to apply the grip against real targets.

In addition, accuracy and speed is essential to mastery of the Tiger Claw. Practice throwing different

sandbags into the air, then catch them quickly with your Tiger Claw applying maximum power into

each catch in the process. Visualize the sandbags as different targets of your opponents body.


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13.FIERCE TIGER FORM STEP BY STEP FORM

Comments

When practicing the form the temptation is always there for beginners to go too fast and aim to do

too much. The initial focus should always be on performing the form slowly so that your movements

are accurate and controlled.

Tiger Kung Fu transitions between slow and fast in the blink of an eye in actual practice. Slowness

doesnt mean lethargic hollow action devoid of force or meaning. Rather it is merely a transient stage

that sets the stage for the subsequent fast attacking phase and is used to tense up the muscle for

release into very quick and lethal strikes. In the slow (or building up) phase, let your breath sink

into the Dan Tien and visualize your feet taking root in the ground beneath it. This may only be afleeting moment. In the fast (attacking) phase, unleash your energy with explosive purpose so that

every hit is aimed to inflict injury.

Accuracy

All Sifu and instructors will emphasize that accuracy and correctness in technique is by far the most

ingredients to success. It can be very hard if not impossible to correct bad habits so every effort

should be made to make sure your initial form is right. Take the time to understand the meaning

behind each movement. Every action has a defensive and offensive component. Understand how

each technique can be adopted for a defensive means before using it offensively.

Powerful knock out strikes should only be used sparingly and only after you have tested the

opponents abilities. Such strikes could easily make you over-commit and lose balance, and can be

turned against you.


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Definitions

Yang Palm - References to the Yang Palm refer to an upward palm facing the sky. Ying Palm -

References to the Ying Palm refer to a downward palm facing the ground.

References to direction

The practitioner moves along the 4 points of the compass with the camera looking in from south,

relatively speaking. These directions are represented below with the eight points of the compass,

North (N), East (E), South (S), West (W) as well as the four midway points NE, NW, SE, SW where

applicable.


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1 (Opening) 2 3

Stand with feet together. Hands by side,

palms pointing downward. Look

forward

Open right foot to Horse Stance. Raise

palms facing upward as Tiger Claws to

side

Push out both Tiger Claws to the fro

shoulder-height, elbows straight

5 6 7

Shift forward to left Forward Stance.

Thrust out right Tiger Claw and retract

left Tiger Claw to armpit at the same

time

Turn and sink to Horse Stance. Thrust

out left Tiger Claw at shoulder-height,

elbows straight. Retract right Tiger

Claw to armpit

Stride right foot E to right Horse Sta

Thrust out right Tiger Claw and retr

left Tiger Claw to armpit at the sam

time

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9 10 11

Turn to form left Forward Stance.

Thrust out right Tiger Claw and retract

left Tiger Claw to armpit at the same

time

Sink to Horse Stance. Swing left Tiger

Claw downward and outward. Raise

right Tiger Claw upward past head

Raise left knee to One-Legged Stan

Raise left Tiger Claw to shoulder he

bent at elbows. Lower right claw, fa

upward

13 14 15

Land left foot to Forward Stance. Thrust

out left Tiger Claw to opponents head.

Retract right Tiger Claw to guard chest




Swing out right Tiger Claw in an ar

the front, with the palm facing inw

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17 18 19

Land right foot to Horse Stance. Thrust

right Tiger Claw downward. Bend

elbow slightly. Guard head with left

Tiger Claw

Step left foot forward to form left

Crouching Stance. Thrust out left Tiger

Claw (palm inverted). Retract right

Tiger Claw to guard chest

Bend upper body rightward to for

right Crouching Stance. Roll left Ti

Claw over to hit out again. Right T

Claw is unchanged

21 22 23

Sink backward into Horse Stance.

Retract left Tiger Claw, facing outward.

Recover right Tiger Claw to guard front

Lean forward to Left Forward Stance.

Thrust out left Leopard Paw to hit

opponents throat

Stance remains unchanged. Thrust

right Leopard Paw to hit opponen

throat

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25 26 27

Turn body right. Land right foot W into

Horse Stance. Thrust right Tiger Claw

downward. Bend elbow slightly. Guard

head with left Tiger Claw

Stride left foot forward W. Hit slightly

downwards with the left Tiger Claw.

Draw back right Tiger Claw to guard

head at the same time

Turn to left Forward Stance. Thrust

right Tiger Claw while pulling left T

Claw past head at the same time

29 30 31

Lean forward W into Forward Stance.Whip out back of left Tiger Claw to hit

at face level, arm slightly bent. Guard

chest with right Tiger Claw

Turn right. Snap out left Side-Kick athip level, toes pointing right. Turn left

Tiger Claw downward to guard front.

Land left foot forward W into HorStance. Hit upward with left elbow

level with shoulders. Guard chest w

right Tiger Claw

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33 34 35

Seize and pull left Tiger Claw

backwards by side of head. Thrust

out right Tiger Claw at the same time

Turn body right. Sink into Horse Stance.

Thrust left Tiger Claw downward. Bend

elbow slightly. Guard head with right

Tiger Claw

Shift into Forward Stance. Knock

downward with right Tiger Claw, fa

upward, and hitting with the side of

palm.

37 38 39

Land right foot W into Horse Stance.

Thrust out right Leopard Paw at the

same time

Shift into right Forward Stance.

Whip outward to hit at opponents

face with back of right Tiger Claw

Turn body right to form Horse Stan

Thrust right Tiger Claw down to hi

opponents groin. Bend elbow sligh

Guard head with left Tiger Claw

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41 42 43

Push out both fists in opposite directions

at shoulder-height from Horse Stance, to

hit at incoming enemies from both

directions simultaneously

Turn left to form left Forward Stance.

Swing up right Uppercut to the

opponents heart region and swing left

fist backward, arm slightly bent

Turn right to recover Horse Stan

Swing up left Uppercut to

opponents heart and swing right

backward

45 46 47

Turn right to recover Horse Stance.

Swing up left Hook Punch to opponents

ear and swing right fist backward

Snap out left kick to the opponents

heart region

Land right foot into right Horse Sta

Thrust out right punch to attack th

opponents heart or head. Guard ch

with left hand

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49 50 51

Sink into right Horse Stance. Thrust out

right punch to opponents head or heart

region and retract left fist

Turn to left Horse Stance. Thrust out left

punch to opponents head or heart

region and retract right fist

Form left Forward Stance. Swing

right Hook Punch to opponents e

Swing left fist backward

53 54 55

Turn left to form left Forward Stance.

Swing up right Hook Punch to

opponents ear. Swing left fist backward

Snap up right side kick to hit at the

opponents mid-section

Stab right kick downward to target

opponents shin or foot

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57 58 59

Snap out right groin kick, toes pointing

up

Land left foot into Horse Stance. Swing

up right Hook Punch to hit at

opponents ear

Immediately turn into right Forwa

Stance and thrust out right elbow to

at the opponents face or mid-secti

61 62 63

Turn left. Raise left knee. Parry out left

Tiger Claw and hold right Tiger Claw

by chest to guard

Stab left foot downward to hit at the

opponents knee or shin

Immediately follow with right gro

kick

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65 66 67

Land left foot forward E into Horse

Stance. Thrust out left Tiger Claw at

shoulder-height. Recover right hand as

Tiger Claw to right chest

Turn upper body right and thrust out left

Side-Kick to the opponents

mid-section. Push out left Tiger Claw to

guard / complement the attack

On landing the left foot, snap out ri

Front Kick to hit at the opponent

mid-section

69 70 71

Keep the existing Horse Stance. Thrust

out right elbow horizontally to strike at

the opponents mid-section

Turn to right Forward Stance. Thrust out

right Tiger Claw at shoulder height.

Keep left Tiger Claw by side

Seize and bring right Tiger Claw ba

Thrust up left knee strike at the sam

time, toes pointing downward

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73 74 75

Snap out right Front Kick without

landing the foot from the previous knee

strike

Swing up left Circular Kick to hit at the

opponents upper midsection.

Land left foot into Forward Stanc

Whip out the back of left Tiger Cla

facing inward, to hit at the opponen

head

77 78 79 (End)




Swing both hands as Tiger Claws past

the back of the body

Bring right foot to left foot, and ra

both Tiger Claws (facing up) to th

sides of the chest to close

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14.DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT

Disclaimer

ikungfu.net and its associates are not responsible for any injury or loss which may occur by performing

the activities described herein. The reader should first consult his or her physician on whether the

activities are suitable for his/her particular medical condition. This is a general reference document only.

Different schools and instructors may have individual variations and interpretations.

Copyright

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction of images appearing in this document in whole

or in part in any form.

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