HANDSTRIKES Go to Hand Strikes Diagram OPEN HAND STRIKES The open hand strike utilizes the padded edge of the palm on the little finger side. It is sometimes referred to as a hand sword as the action of the strike is similiar to the cutting action of a samurai sword. Form the weapon by completely extending the four fingers held together and tucking the thumb at the first joint towards the palm. The strike can be delivered in a variety of ways: Vertical - Cock the arm up and swing the strike down as if chopping wood. Horizontal(palm up) - The starting position is similar to the inside block. Swing the strike horizontally keeping the palm up. The end position should see the fingers pointing straight forward. Horizontal(palm down) - The starting position is similar to the reverse outside block. Swing the strike horizontally twisting the palm down. Targets: various points on head, neck, ribs, etc. HAMMER FIST The hammer fist strikes are similar to the open hand strikes. Start with the open hand position and curl the fingers one joint at a time towards the palm. Tuck the thumb along the second row of finger joints. The striking surface is the same as the open hand(the edge of the palm-only now it is more massive). The strike is delivered in the same ways as the open hand. Targets: various points on head, neck, ribs, etc. SINGLE SPEAR Start with the open hand position and while keeping the index finger rigid curl the last three fingers until the tip of the index finger is exposed. The striking surface is the tip of the finger. Deliver the strike with a jabbing action. The palm is kept facing to the side. Targets: eyes, trachea, solar plexus, and various nerve plexus. DUAL SPEARS Start with the open hand position. Tuck the last two fingers in and spread the index and middle fingers. Turn the palm down. deliver the strike in a thrusting motion. Targets: primary targets are the eyes. SOFT COBRA Start with the dual spears position and then touch the thumb to the last two fingers to "soften" the index and middle fingers. The strike is delivered in a "flicking" action to the eyes. Target: eyes TIGER'S CLAW Open the hand and "stretch" the fingers out as far as possible. Then bend all 5 fingers at the 1st and 2nd joints to form a claw. The strike is delivered in a thrusting motion and then twisted to the sides twice to find the eyes. Target: rip and claw opponent's face PANTHER'S STRIKE (Also known as a half-fist) Uses the second joints of all four fingers. The fingertips are curled toward the palm. Keep the back of the hand in line with the wrist. Targets: throat, ribs, kidneys FALCON STRIKE Uses the area between the base of the thumb and the base of the index finger as the initial striking surface and then the thumb, index and middle finger close to "rip and tear". Spread the thumb and second two fingers to form a hook. Tuck the last two fingers out of the way. Deliver the strike with the palm down and horizontal. Close the thumb and two fingers and pull out. Targets: primary target is the throat. RIDGEHAND STRIKE Start with an open hand strike and tuck the thumb in until it almost touches the base of the little finger. This strike utilizes that part of the palm between the base of the forefinger and the base of the thumb. To strike at the temple: extend the strike out palm up until almost extended, then rotate the palm down sharply, whipping the strike at the target. Targets: side of head, groin, throat, neck and chin BACK FIST The fingers are tightly clenched like that of the normal fist(see 8-exercise for instructions of making a fist); only the back(or top) of the middle and index finger knuckles are used for striking. The strike is delivered in a whipping action, snapping at the wrist upon completion of the strike. Targets: Temple, nose, solar plexus, etc. BACK KNUCKLE This strike differs from the back fist in that the striking surface is the front part of the middle and index finger knuckles. Hyperextend the normal fist(palm up) at the wrist. Push the strike towards the target as opposed to whipping as with the backfist. Targets: Base of nose, cheekbones, chin, temple, etc.