Tig001 - 533b54c9c4d31 (1) Tiger

TIGER KUNG FU
FIERCE TIGER FORM

Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
WHAT IS TIGER CLAW KUNG FU?....................................................................................................... 3

POSTURE .................................................................................................................................................. 5
POWER ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
THREE COMPONENTS ........................................................................................................................... 9
DEVELOPMENT OF FA QIN ................................................................................................................. 10
TIGER CLAW TECHNIQUES ................................................................................................................ 12
PUNCHING TECHNIQUES ................................................................................................................... 28
KICKING TECHNIQUES ....................................................................................................................... 32
ELBOW TECHNIQUES .......................................................................................................................... 37
KNEE STRIKES................................................................................................................................... 39
STANCES ............................................................................................................................................. 41
12.
13.
14.
TRAINING EXERCISES ..................................................................................................................... 44

FIERCE TIGER FORM STEP BY STEP FORM.............................................................................. 45
DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT .......................................................................................................... 57
2
Licensed to Eric Bonilla. Email address: bonillaeric23@yahoo.com
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 practitioners
resemble 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 or
absorbing 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.
5
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 inherently
denies 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 absolute
strength 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
21
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)
22
Example Using the whipping attack to gain an advantage quickly

1
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
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.
24
Example 2 Using the downward parry to set up a straight punch

1
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.
25
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
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.
26
Example 2 Upward parry and attack to mid-section

1
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.
27
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)
28
Example Straight Punch attack

1
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
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.
29
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
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.
30
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
31
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)
32
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)
33
Example Hitting high and low

1
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
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.
34
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
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.
35
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
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.
36
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
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.
37
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)
38
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
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.
39
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.
40
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

Turn the upper body is turned to the side. The
knees slightly and point the knee-cap and feet knee cap and foot of the leading leg should
forward, in the direction the head is facing.
point in the direction the head is facing. The
knee cap and foot of the back leg should
point to the side.
41
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.
42
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.
43
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.
44
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 a
fleeting 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.
45
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.
46
1 (Opening)
Stand with feet together. Hands by side,
Open right foot to Horse Stance. Raise
Push out both Tiger Claws to the front at
Turn left while in Horse Stance. Seize
palms pointing downward. Look
palms facing upward as Tiger Claws to
shoulder-height, elbows straight
outward with left Tiger Claw while
forward
side
Shift forward to left Forward Stance.
Turn and sink to Horse Stance. Thrust
Stride right foot E to right Horse Stance.
Stride left foot E to left Horse Stance.
Thrust out right Tiger Claw and retract
out left Tiger Claw at shoulder-height,
Thrust out left Tiger Claw at
left Tiger Claw to armpit at the same
elbows straight. Retract right Tiger
shoulder-height, elbows straight. Retract
time
Claw to armpit
time
right Tiger Claw to armpit
guarding with right Tiger Claw
47
10
11
12
Turn to form left Forward Stance.
Sink to Horse Stance. Swing left Tiger
Raise left knee to One-Legged Stance.
Kick out left foot to the opponents
Claw downward and outward. Raise
Raise left Tiger Claw to shoulder height,
heart region. Keep toes pointing upward
right Tiger Claw upward past head
bent at elbows. Lower right claw, facing

upward
time
13
14
15
16
Land left foot to Forward Stance. Thrust
Swing out right Tiger Claw in an arc to
Snap out right groin kick. Bend right
out left Tiger Claw to opponents head.
the front, with the palm facing inward
knee slightly. Swing right Tiger Claw
Retract right Tiger Claw to guard chest
downward and raise left Tiger Claw

48
17
18
19
20
Land right foot to Horse Stance. Thrust
Step left foot forward to form left
Bend upper body rightward to form
Turn upper body right into right
right Tiger Claw downward. Bend
Crouching Stance. Thrust out left Tiger
right Crouching Stance. Roll left Tiger
Forward Stance. Whip outward with
elbow slightly. Guard head with left
Claw (palm inverted). Retract right
Claw over to hit out again. Right Tiger
back of left Tiger Claw to whip at
Tiger Claw
Tiger Claw to guard chest
Claw is unchanged
opponents face
21
22
23
24
Sink backward into Horse Stance.
Lean forward to Left Forward Stance.
Stance remains unchanged. Thrust out
Raise right knee into right One-Legged
Retract left Tiger Claw, facing outward.
Thrust out left Leopard Paw to hit
right Leopard Paw to hit opponents
Stance. Thrust out left Leopard Paw to
Recover right Tiger Claw to guard front
opponents throat
throat
hit opponents throat
49
25
26
27
28
Turn body right. Land right foot W into
Stride left foot forward W. Hit slightly
Turn to left Forward Stance. Thrust out
Turn body right. Sink into Horse Stance.
Horse Stance. Thrust right Tiger Claw
downwards with the left Tiger Claw.
right Tiger Claw while pulling left Tiger
Thrust left Tiger Claw downward. Bend
downward. Bend elbow slightly. Guard
Draw back right Tiger Claw to guard
Claw past head at the same time
elbow slightly. Guard head with right
head with left Tiger Claw
head at the same time
29
30
31
32
Lean forward W into Forward Stance.
Turn right. Snap out left Side-Kick at
Land left foot forward W into Horse
Lean forward to Left Forward Stance.
Whip out back of left Tiger Claw to hit
hip level, toes pointing right. Turn left
Stance. Hit upward with left elbow,
Stab outward at the opponents heart
at face level, arm slightly bent. Guard
Tiger Claw downward to guard front.
level with shoulders. Guard chest with
with left elbow
Tiger Claw
right Tiger Claw
chest with right Tiger Claw
50
33
34
Turn body right. Sink into Horse Stance.

Seize and pull left Tiger Claw
Thrust left Tiger Claw downward. Bend
backwards by side of head. Thrust
elbow slightly. Guard head with right
out right Tiger Claw at the same time
35
36
Shift into Forward Stance. Knock
Tiger Claw
palm.
Seize and pull hands to chest as

Tiger Claws. Snap right knee upward
to hit at opponents groin. Toes point
downward.
37
38
39
40
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 Stance.
Recover left and right Tiger Claws to

Guard Position, stance unchanged
downward with right Tiger Claw, facing

upward, and hitting with the side of the
Thrust right Tiger Claw down to hit at

opponents groin. Bend elbow slightly.
Guard head with left Tiger Claw
51
41
42
43
44
Push out both fists in opposite directions
Turn left to form left Forward Stance.
at shoulder-height from Horse Stance, to
Swing up right Uppercut to the
hit at incoming enemies from both
opponents heart region and swing left
directions simultaneously
fist backward, arm slightly bent
Turn right to recover Horse Stance.

Swing up left Uppercut to
opponents heart and swing right fist
backward
45
46
47
48
Turn right to recover Horse Stance.
Snap out left kick to the opponents
Land right foot into right Horse Stance.
Turn to right Forward Stance. Thrust out
Swing up left Hook Punch to opponents
heart region
Thrust out right punch to attack the
left punch at shoulder height to hit at
opponents heart or head. Guard chest
opponents head or chest. Draw right
with left hand
fist by side of chest
ear and swing right fist backward
52
Swing up right Hook Punch to the

opponents ear and swing left fist
backward, arm slightly bent
49
50
51
52
Sink into right Horse Stance. Thrust out
Turn to left Horse Stance. Thrust out left
Form left Forward Stance. Swing up
Recover into Horse Stance. Thrust up
right punch to opponents head or heart
punch to opponents head or heart
right Hook Punch to opponents ear.
left Uppercut and swing right fist behind
region and retract left fist
region and retract right fist
Swing left fist backward
the body
53
54
55
56
Snap up right side kick to hit at the
Stab right kick downward to target the
Turn right. Stride left foot W then stab
Swing up right Hook Punch to
opponents mid-section
opponents shin or foot
downward to target the opponents shin

or foot
opponents ear. Swing left fist backward
53
57
58
59
60
Snap out right groin kick, toes pointing
Land left foot into Horse Stance. Swing
Immediately turn into right Forward
Turn into Horse Stance. Thrust out both
up
up right Hook Punch to hit at
Stance and thrust out right elbow to hit
hands as Tiger Claws downward
opponents ear
at the opponents face or mid-section
61
62
63
64
Turn left. Raise left knee. Parry out left
Stab left foot downward to hit at the
Immediately follow with right groin
Land left foot then immediately follow
Tiger Claw and hold right Tiger Claw
opponents knee or shin
kick
up with shin kick
by chest to guard
54
65
66
67
68
Land left foot forward E into Horse
Turn upper body right and thrust out left
On landing the left foot, snap out right
Turn upper body left. Stab downward
Stance. Thrust out left Tiger Claw at
Side-Kick to the opponents
Front Kick to hit at the opponents
with right foot to hit at the opponents
shoulder-height. Recover right hand as
mid-section. Push out left Tiger Claw to
mid-section
shin or knee and landing into Horse
Tiger Claw to right chest
guard / complement the attack
69
70
71
72
Keep the existing Horse Stance. Thrust
Turn to right Forward Stance. Thrust out
Seize and bring right Tiger Claw back.
Immediately follow up with right knee
out right elbow horizontally to strike at
right Tiger Claw at shoulder height.
Thrust up left knee strike at the same
strike to hit the opponents groin
the opponents mid-section
Keep left Tiger Claw by side
time, toes pointing downward
Stance
55
73
74
75
76
Snap out right Front Kick without
Swing up left Circular Kick to hit at the
Land left foot into Forward Stance.
Seize and bring left Tiger Claw back to
landing the foot from the previous knee
opponents upper midsection.
Whip out the back of left Tiger Claw,
side. Wipe out to swing right Tiger Claw
facing inward, to hit at the opponents
into opponents face
strike
head
77
78
79 (End)
Swing both hands as Tiger Claws past
Bring right foot to left foot, and raise
the back of the body
both Tiger Claws (facing up) to the

sides of the chest to close
56
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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TIGER KUNG FU

FIERCE TIGER FORM

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

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

1. WHAT IS TIGER CLAW KUNG FU?

Using the entire body to generate power

Hold hands by side of waist in Horse

Draw up the Chi and visualize pushing

Rise slowly. Visualize recycling the

Extend both hands to the front, fingers

6. TIGER CLAW TECHNIQUES

Example 1 Punch and parry

2- Seize and pull / Locking

Example Hitting from the side

Example Hitting high and low

3 - Covering / Masking Claw

Example Covering claw attack

Reference: Figure 22 and 23 of the Form

Example Continuous masking claw

Reference: Figure 33 and 34 of the Form

Example Stabbing the throat

Example Using the whipping attack to gain an advantage quickly

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

Example 1 Upward parry and kick

Example 2 Upward parry and attack to mid-section

Example Straight Punch attack

Example Hook Punch after distraction

Example Uppercut after feigning to draw out opponents guard

Example Hitting high and low

Example Hitting low then high

Example Use of the stomp

Example Using the elbow strike to counter close range

10. KNEE STRIKES

Example 1 Use of Knee Strike

Side Horse Stance

The upper body faces forward. Bend both

12. TRAINING EXERCISES

13. FIERCE TIGER FORM STEP BY STEP FORM

Stand with feet together. Hands by side,

Open right foot to Horse Stance. Raise

Push out both Tiger Claws to the front at

Turn left while in Horse Stance. Seize

palms pointing downward. Look

palms facing upward as Tiger Claws to

shoulder-height, elbows straight

outward with left Tiger Claw while

Shift forward to left Forward Stance.

Turn and sink to Horse Stance. Thrust

Stride right foot E to right Horse Stance.

Stride left foot E to left Horse Stance.

Thrust out right Tiger Claw and retract

out left Tiger Claw at shoulder-height,

Thrust out right Tiger Claw and retract

Thrust out left Tiger Claw at

left Tiger Claw to armpit at the same

elbows straight. Retract right Tiger

left Tiger Claw to armpit at the same

shoulder-height, elbows straight. Retract

right Tiger Claw to armpit

guarding with right Tiger Claw

Turn to form left Forward Stance.

Sink to Horse Stance. Swing left Tiger

Raise left knee to One-Legged Stance.