How To Do The Tiger Claw Technique (Effectively!)
The Tiger Claw is a popular technique seen in kung fu movies for decades, but in reality, it is a fierce and effective technique capable of doing some serious damage to your attacker.
In this video, we look at the proper formation and application of the Tiger Claw technique as well as where to target it on the body. This technique can be added to your current system or to your personal self-defense arsenal. I personally added it to my Tang Soo Do system.
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I learnt tiger system as a 14 year old woman! Then I was taught a lot of wing chun as a woman we had to learn open hand! I am now 44!
Hi Lou Lou, that's awesome! Not many tiger system schools around, you were fortunate. Keep training after 44, adapt and evolve as needed. Now at 56 I no longer do Karate, but continue learning and growing focusing on Tai Chi and learning the Siu Lim Tao form. 👊
I learned WC crane and snake and decided to add tiger claw into the system- the tiger claw strike is similar to the white crane palm strikes...
That sounds like a nice combination. Of course everyone knows Crane can work with Tiger but the Snake part of Wing Chun may mix with the Tiger even better!
Lady, kung fu with tarkwondo kicks perfect
@@kputala I think uchi ryu style karate have many similiarties.
OUTSTANDING!!!! We also train in a Tiger system. We also like to block and then drive our thumbs/fingers right into the eyes as an option to "Raking" the eyes. However, we still rake also. Most effective and brutal self defense a person can train in. Much respect!!!
I love this particular strike, it has saved my life several times. It’s one of the first strikes that I teach,
It's a great strike, especially in close. 👍🐅
I've learned many things from this video and now I can use the TIGER claw much stronger
Hi Leo! I'm glad I am able to help and appreciate you watching! If you find the videos helpful, please share them with your friends and fellow warriors! If you have any questions or would like to see a video on something, just let me know!
Another advantage I see with the Tiger Claw is you are less likely to break your fingers from a punch. And you can still close your hand quickly to do a fist punch if needed. Thanks for the explanation without the fluff and getting to the point.
Hi Merlin! I agree. I like the tiger claw for its effectiveness and versatility.👍👊
I got a question. Wouldn't tiger claw leave the wrists in a vulnerable state? Because in a real fight or even normal sparring everyone is constantly moving.
@@bookknight As with any palm blow the wrist is protected by it' pulling back towards the top of the forearm. Its the closed fist strikes that leave the wrist vulnerable. Also after impact a Tiger Claw can instantly become a grab to off balance your opponent or pull them into a strike with your other hand, elbow, knee etc.!
Hung Gar teacher here. LOVE the tiger claw. Another option is to use the heel of the hand as the point of contact during the strike. That hard surface causes a ton of percussive damage when hitting the head (I worked as a bouncer for several years whilst in college and this was one of my core techniques).
Hello Sifu! That is my preferred way of striking with it as well. Very effective! 👍👊
@@kputala that's great! I noticed you also came under the chin in an upward motion which is SUPER effective (I'm also trained in WW2 Combatives and they call that the chin jab)! There is one more subtle method of the tiger claw, where you have the palm right at the chin but go straight back instead of upward (this is throwing the tiger claw like a punch)! Think of it like a tiger push to the head; it works fantastic! Great video breakdown btw!
@sifublack192 Aah, never really though of throwing it straight like a jab. In that instance, what is done with the fingers? Going t to the eyes? Thanks for your kind words, I'm glad you liked the video.
Very informative ! Thank you very much I do Chinese Kempo and have used Tiger Claws very effectively in real self defense situations .
Hi Paul! Glad you liked the video. I practiced Tracy Kenpo a long time ago, got to Orange Belt. I love the more flowing movements of Kenpo and Chinese arts compared to Japanese and Korean forms of Karate. Tiger is, of course, my favorite animal style.
Thank you for this basic knowledge of how to strike with properly with this tiger 🐅 claw. This is very informative.
My pleasure, hope it helped! 👍
In doing the tiger claw strike we also incorporate the heel of the palm, especially on the downward strikes to the nose and face.
@Brabdog I prefer to make impact with the heel of the palm first, then rake, rip, or grab, and you're right, it's very effective downwards to the face! 👍👊
Make more videos Sir. Very helpful.
Thank you, I'm working on it!
Great video, thanks for the tip and refresher! Your a great instructor, just wanted to let you know. Thanks.
Thank you for your kind words, and I'm glad you liked the video. I'm currently rebuilding after two total knee replacements and hope to get back to martial arts training and making more videos. 🙏👊
tiger claw is the best style for self-defense
I've found that, even at a low level, the tiger claw has a very upsetting effect on the nervous system. My partner wasn't really using force and it felt like an electric shock, those little points scrabbling at every soft point they can find.
I agree. If the right target is struck it can be devastating.
Thank you sir I always thought it's the claws thanks for telling the difference
Hi Farhan, my pleasure! The claws are definitely part of it, but not the only part! 👍👊
Wow, now I findout that Kali Eskrima also using tiger claw without realizing and I can add it to my arsenal. Thanks.
Hi Justin! Don't be afraid to add whatever techniques work for you and make the art YOURS! Good luck in your training!
Great lecture
right to the point.thanks.
Thanks!👊
Thank you for your great advice. ^^
You are most welcome. I pray that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy.
This is probably the most natural strike for me out of all that I learned. I love all cats btw, big, small, bulky, lean...
Can't say I'm a fan of house cats, but I love the big cats. The tiger claw is an effective strike, and should be delivered with the fighting spirit of the 🐅 as well!
@@kputala Agreed! It's not just movements and techniques, but the spirit of the Tiger that's important as well!
Yeah, I love cats too! Currently I have a little black "tiger" of my own!
Awesome. Good piece of advice
Thanks! Let me know I'd there's anything specific you'd like to see a video on. Appreciate you watching!
Good stuff I hope I never have to use it in real life for self defence but useful to know
Such is the way of Wudan
Good clear instruction! Thank you!
Thank you. I saw your earlier question and to clarify, if you are striking forward and upward, you are striking with the heel of the palm and then raking and ripping with the fingers. If you are striking from the side, like to the side of the head, you will strike with the base of the fingers at the top of the palm. Flexing the fingers back, you strike with the palm side of the knuckles, just below the bottom crease of your fingers. Hope this clarifies it a bit for you. Wishing you continued success in your training, Kevin
@@kputala Yes! Thank you .
@@kputala, boa noite! É possível golpear a lateral da cabeça usando o calcanhar da mão e não a base dos dedos?
@@robertovieira2901 boa noite! Sim, é definitivamente possível e muito eficaz. Eu também bato dessa maneira e imediatamente acaricio com os dedos depois. I hope this is right, I used Google translate!
@@kputala, obrigado!🤝
Thnx.Great vid. ✌🏾🐯💪🏾🦁
My pleasure! Hope it helped! Thanks.
Thank you
You are most welcome. 👊
Can you hit with the heel of the palm when doing a hooking strike as well? Well done video with good instruction!
Most certainly! I would hook to the head, striking with the heel of the palm, the rake the rear, face... You're only limited by your imagination.
I would actually prefer to use the heel of the palm in a Tiger Claw myself! Especially in a hooking action!
Now I understand.
Hi Nafi! Glad the video was able to help!
Nice sir
Thank you sir!
It's very lethal!
It's a good technique! 👍
wow
Tigers are 1 of my favorite animals
They're my absolute favorite! 👍
the claws may be more damage creating if nails are used in a diagonal angle for tearing flesh perhaps
If you keep your nails long and strong, which I do not. 🤣 I would always rake after the strike, just as you said! 👍
Hay 😄👍
This move gives a big shock impact on the face, shaking the brain.
Hello Novra Hadi! Yes it does, a technique you can't truly practice on a person or use in sparring, etc. With the mindset of fighting only for self defense, only as a last resort, and being older, my goal is to end a fight as quickly, aggressively, and decisively as possible. This why I focus on techniques like this in my training. My basics, kata/hyung are for health and fitness mostly. How long have you trained and in which art?
@@kputala I train my self in the art of claw for self defense too, years ago I was attacked on the street and accidently I clawed his eyes, he escaped with severe eyes injury, then I realize that tiger claw is more effective than a punch, it took seconds for me to win that fight. You are correct, this move is only for self defense, not for combat sport.
@@novrahadi8568 Glad to hear you survived and that the technique is effective. This is proven all of the time in MMA fights where two fighters can beat on each other for 5 rounds and take it, but as soon as one of them catches a finger in the eye, the fight stops and they stop attacking. I train to strike the most vital areas (eyes, ears, throat, groin) as fast and as hard as possible to end the fight quickly, as I have bad knees, and running away is not an option. I also train myself now and do my best to help others do the same! God bless and good luck in your training! If there is anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask!
@@kputala yeah eye gauge in MMA can stop a fight, and of course it is illegal in the sport but effective on the street, I prefer tiger claw to avoid busting my finger and my nuckle.
Hung Gar style ❤😊
I know of Hung Gar and I'm familiar with it, but I never studied. A powerful art. 👊
How about striking with the heel of the palm, is that ever done with the tiger claw strike?
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, I didn't receive any notification of a comment. I love striking with the heel of the palm, especially when striking upward under the chin. It's very effective and a solid striking surface. You can use it to the ribs as well.
It's the heel of the palm how I've seen others teach it although hitting the ears with a cupped palm is very advantageous. I've heard it referred to as a "Closed Tiger Claw" done to the ears!
You haven't done the nail finger scratch. Is it possible for someone to increase power in finger and nail to the point they can tear off flesh?
Only in the movies.
@@kputala hmm you don't think someone with power enough nails can't tear off human skin especially at a body part where skin is most elastic?
@@st4r444 Yes, you can scratch them if you have nails, like any person can, but to the point of tearing off deep strips if flesh...no. My 2 year old grandson has razor nails and scratched me drawing blood just playing around, so yeah, anyone can scratch a person pretty deeply, but not to the extent I believe you're referring to.
Nice video. Good information. Love your tiger picture in the background.
@@wendellbenedict4793 Hi Wendell! Thank you, glad you found it helpful. That picture is OLD, a gift from my sons when they were young, like 1999?
I know that Jake Mace sometimes makes up ineffective moves and that he studied a made-up style that was passed off as being an old legitimate one, but he says that you can also do the tiger claw by striking with the hole in the middle of your hand. Is this really one of the ways it's been done, or should I only strike with the bones underneath my fingers?
Hi Chris! I've seen some of Jake Mace's videos, but never saw that one. I guess you could strike with the center of the palm, but I want maximum effectiveness. The base of the knuckles at the top of the palm and the palm heel I believe are the most effective surfaces when using the tiger claw. Ultimately you have to do what works best for you and make whatever style/art you practice, your own. 👍
@@kputala Thank you Kevin.
@@kputala but don't lie about it
@@standevrie2107 Hi Stan, what are you referring to?
You demonstrated one way of striking with tiger claw. Overall tigers strike with tremendous power. For example, a slap to the side of the head could knock a person out. A karate like chop to the side of the neck can paralyze a person. Years I studied 5 Animal Kung Fu. When we started to learn tiger, our teacher had us stand at attention in a row. Then he tapped each of us on the chest with his tiger claw. OMG! His fingers were like steel spikes. His fingerprints were on my chest for 3 days. So when you combine chi with tiger strikes it is devastating. For example when you can tap a person on the chest but you are hitting them on the chest and also transmitting your chi into their body. You can damage their heart very easily. Now I am retired and am getting back into some martial arts training to stay fit. For me, martial arts training is the best way to stay fit.
You're very fortunate to have trained under someone so skilled, and learning 5 animal kung fu, which is very rare to ever find a school!! I totally agree that martial arts is the best complete body workout!
I had to watch my father fall apart. He spent his last years in a really nice retirement home but his health really crumbled. The worst thing that can happen is bad health. Nothing else matters more than good health.@@kputala
@sparky7915 Totally agree. I just had 2 total knee replacements and my main focus is rebuilding my knees, health, and fitness. If you don't have that, nothing else matters.
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@@sparky7915 I have them as well, and use them often. 👍
Tiger claw mix with the drucking style will be nice
Hi Alex! "Drucking" style?
Mine bad spell it wrong drunken style with the tiger claw I wish I can learn it doe I am 45 years old maybe to late
@@alexcandelario5298 I thought that's what you meant. 😆 If you can find someone who teaches Drunken Kung Fu, or if you are only training for health and enjoyment, find a good instructional video to learn from at home, it's NEVER too late. I will be 55 on the 13th, and while I can no longer do many things due to really bad knees, I do what I can and adapt what I need to. You can definitely do it! 👊💪
I would love to learn the tiger claw too
Amituofo Shifu 💐💐💐
I see tiger style kung fu can be useful in a street fight because of the dirty tactiques on it. And one thing, the palm strike tho. You can hit your opponet in the head w/o breaking your hands with closed fist
Exactly! 👍👊
They teach us cat claw technique in Hapkido but it is not my favorite technique. I like the tiger claw techniques much better.
Hi Chad! I agree. Cats scratch, Tigers strike! 👊
In Hung Gar, we use the bottom of the palm, where it meets the forearm. More bony.
Exactly! The palm heel is my preferred way to strike as well. 👍👊
Southern Tiger or Hung Gar?
I actually learned it training in Kenpo and added it to my personal self defense arsenal. Tiger or Hung Gar schools were non existent everywhere I've ever lived.
@@kputala thanks for the answer, great clip
@@ob4149 Thanks! Glad you found it useful. 👍👊
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Hi Tim! Thanks for the info, I'll definitely check it out!
Babies have the best tiger claws.
🤣 Those little things are razor sharp!
EXCELLENT THANKS A LOT DEAR AM 72 YEARS OLD AND I FACED A DRUNKARD WHO WITH HIS FRIENDS TRIED 2 SNATCH MY BIKE USING FORCE. GBU SON.
Hello Mr. Salimrjan, I am glad you found this video useful, and I love that you are still active and able to defend yourself at 72! You are an inspiration! Thank you.
Respect sir,
You could really hurt somebody
If you train seriously for self defense and with a deadly serious mindset, not just going through the motions, you will develop skills that can definitely hurt someone. You train for that if it ever happens, but you avoid it at all costs and only use that skill as an absolute last resort.
@@kputala ty for the info and self defense
@@kputala agree.
This move is only for self defense, not for sport. Even in sparring tiger claw is still dangerous. You can spar using punch, but not using tiger claw because many accidents can happen to the opponent leading to severe eye injury.
@@novrahadi8568 facts
Tiger or lion have naturally powerfull claws from birth...tiger have power which they get biologically...compare to humans who can never acheive such power even if they are having lifetime training... basically we are not biologically compete with any wild animals without the use of tools...so how come do chinese kung fu evolved to get inspire from animals...so this makes me wonder is tools are more useful than bare hand?
Hi Ethan! I'm pretty sure man has always known they cannot compete with a wild animal, like a tiger, hand to hand, but like you said, they were inspired by them. Of course we don't fight like they did centuries ago, but man was smart enough to study animals and how they fight and then come up with their own applications based on our body and abilities. It's not just kung fu either, many martial arts have animal based techniques that can be used against another human. To go against a wild animal, we definitely need more than our hands and feet.