Strikes

Strikes are hand attacks using some variation of a closed (such as back fist), semi-open (such as bear paw), or open (such as knife hand) hand in a circular attack. Impact area depends on the type of technique. Power comes from twisting of torso and footwork that permits body spinning. The arcing of the strike and the rotational speed of the body greatly increase power. Arc may travel along a vertical or horizontal axis. Strikes may be "snapped" or "pushed through" or a combination of the two.

All the strikes start from the hands and arms being held in a basic guard position: Hands in fists held just below cheekbones with palms toward face, with forearms almost vertical.