Lama Kung-Fu striking techniques include all those techniques which use parts of the upper body. Included in that arsenal are the fist, the palm, the fingers, the forearm, the elbow, the use of claw techniques, shouldering and the head butt.
Lama Pai's most distinguishable characteristic is its powerful, long range whipping arm strikes. These strikes are based on natural motions and derive their power from the centrifugal force generated by their continuous circular nature. They are designed to prevent grabbing and allow for the greatest possible number of combinations.
It is very difficult to describe the theory behind the force generated. First, to explain the role of the various parts of the body in a strike, the example of a weight on the end of a string is used. Think of the fist or foot as the weight, the limbs as the string, and the body (i.e. the hips and lower back) as the opposite end of the string. Force originates in the hips and lower back, not the arms. In fact, if the arms are stiff there will be little or no force. The limbs go taunt only when the fist or foot whips around in response to the hips and lower back. To understand the role of centrifugal force in these strikes it is also important to understand the nature of the motions employed.
The second important point is that all strikes, even straight ones, are based on the fact that a sphere contains an infinite number of circles. Therefore, where circular strikes are concerned, there are an infinite number of angles strikes can originate from and all strikes are capable of continuous motion since a student simply continues his strike onto another circle. As the hands continue to circle, tremendous centrifugal force is built up. These circles also prevent an opponent from grabbing the Lama Pai fighter's hands.
Traditionally, all these points were symbolized by the Tibetan drum. This drum, composed of two beads connected by thread to the central drum, also demonstrates how both arms work to generate power. Unlike Shaolin styles, Lama Kung-Fu stylists will never chamber the other hand. Instead the other hand pulls to add power to the strike.
In Lama Kung-Fu, the lead hand often whips out in front of the body and then is extended behind the body while the rear hand strikes. To someone who has studied Western boxing, the Lama Kung-Fu stylist appears an open target. However, they do not understand the application of the lead hand technique.
Sifu Steven Ventura, a Lama Kung-Fu instructor based in New York City, explains the true application of the technique. "The lead hand technique is used in response to an attack, something you obviously can't see by simply watching a solo form." It is used to either grab or deflect that oncoming strike and to create an opening. Thus, the lead hand technique is controlling the attacker and the Lama Kung-Fu stylist is safe to launch his rear hand strike. He is striking with purpose and is in complete control of the situation.
Of course, there are times when one must initiate an attack. When the Lama Kung-Fu stylist is initiating an attack he holds his other fist close to his face, just as a Western boxer would. In this way he can attack but is protected from counterattack.
Among the basic fist techniques are a number that would be familiar to Western boxers. the system features straight punches (Chyuhn Choih), hooks (Gok Choih), uppercuts (Paau Choih), and overhand strikes (Kahp Choih). In addition, there are also a great number of fist techniques unique to the Lama Kung-Fu system including Pek Choih (chopping fist), Siu Kau Dah (small trapping strike), So Choih (inward swing strike), Bin Choih (whip strike), Pak Yik Paau (crane wing strike) and Gwa Choih (45 degree backfist).
Fist strikes are most effective when used in combination and with other striking techniques. Strikes are also equally distributed to both high (the head) and low (the body) targets.
Another unique aspect of Lama Kung-Fu fist strikes is that they are used to intercept and overcome other punches. For example, a powerful Bin Choih (whip strike) will deflect a jab and simultaneously strike the face. Furthermore, the Lama Kung-Fu fighter often uses an unorthodox (i.e. right side forward) stance and can come over a jab with a So Choih (inward swing strike). Thus, they can simultaneously defend and attack and maximize their effort.
The edge of the palm consists of primarily two striking surfaces, the edge and the palm face. The edge can be either thrust or used in a chopping motion to areas such as the side of the neck, the collar bone, the floating ribs and the underarm. The palm face adds greater surface area to strikes to the face, groin and can be used to cup the ears. Finally, the palm can be used simply to push to unbalance your opponent and to create space.
The claw is in many ways related to the palm. Often a claw is applied only after a palm strike to the body or the face. It is then used to rake the face or grab the skin and muscle. Claws can also be used to pull opponents into oncoming strikes and to attack joint by twisting, pressing, and pulling. Finally, the c
Finger strikes require that the student learn a special skill known as the "Biu Gung". "Biu Gung" strengthens the muscles of the hand and the fingers so they will not break when used to strike. Finger strikes are used to attack the eyes and other soft parts of the body. For example the Biu Jih (thrusting finger) and Duhk Ngaan Jih (poison the eye fingers) are both used to attack the eyes. Other popular tactics include striking the soft areas under the arm with the thumbs (a trick many Western boxers are aware of) and striking with the second knuckles into the soft area on the inner thigh.
