tiger tail kick

[PM]

here again with a question about one of our core kicking technique, "tiger tail kick" (fu mei geuk). how do you practice this one, guys? to the knee, to the waist? turning tiger tail kick? with your hands on the floor? tiger tail kick from the floor? set ups, follow ups?

[SyungMo]

I was taught this technique 2 different ways being that I learned in both the Tang Fung and Lam Tsai Wing lineages. In the TF Gung Ji we were taught to point the toe down to the ground and that the kick shoots out like an arrow from behind, like a tail. That in and of itself, along with the naming convention of the technique implies much of the strategy behind it.

I have seen some schools practice this one with their hands on the ground and would certainly be interested in hearing from them on their thoughts about the technique.

My opinion of this (however meaningless it might be) is that everyone will derive their own interpretations from techniques based on what their own mindset is and the physical attributes/limitations that they are stocked with. My own personal thoughts on this technique is that it is a technique that relies on deceptiveness much like our famous "Kick like the shadow of the moon."

In addition, the uniqueness of this particular kick is also showing us a unique way and means to generate power for this, Tiger Tail Kick specialty.

[TenTigers]

all of the above. Straight back, drop to the floor-(only if someone buckles your knee for a takedown, never drop intentionally)spinning, jumping, etc.
Tools is tools.
Situation dictates the target. Knee, waist/hip, kidney, spine, groin, etc
Always follow up. Never kick and then retreat to a neutral stance. Why lose what you may have gained? Once you engage, maintain your attack and pressure until your opponent is finished.

[SyungMo]

Well said Ten Tigers-- the situation dictates the response. Always. Back when I first started learning Hung Gar I was stuck (like many novices maybe?) under the presumption that specific techniques were used for specific situations... but as the world widens Ive come to learn that in most cases a technique can be used however you can make it work.... Of course there are some specific things within our system that have a specific intent, but that is not always the case. At least not with a technique like this....


While I don't teach "formally" I have a group of guys all from varying backgrounds and skill levels that I train with and help out... this is something I try to impart on them... the need to be open-minded and experiment to find what works for them rather then feeling the need to "know" what each movement is for.

And without actually testing things out, its all speculation anyways....

Would also like to add that one of my Sifu's mentioned this to be a useful tool for a "tactical" retreat when under heavy pressure and to regain one's center, composure etc....

[PM]

[TenTigers]

[I am]

We tend to do it as a back kick/mule kick. Often one or two hands on the floor, leg in line with the back on impact. It can be a pretty difficult angle to deal with.

[Jayfrin]

[Supji]

Agree with most others - the tiger tail is often with hand down and then kick straight back, often used in many ways like if pushed land and then kick, or if lock and then one rolls to escape the kick lunges prior to the roll or just as a feint down kick upwards. In terms of whether side or back kick ...we were taught that it is somewhere in between since it is based on the angle in which it struck into the opponent,,,but leans more towards a back than a side kick in power execution

[manchutiger]

[Daifong]

Well, whether with a horizontal or vertically-angled kicking foot, whether under grip control, or free-handed, we obviously want to catch our opponent coming in with this technique, as for the committment it requires, if we catch him while already moving away, all we can hope to do is push him farther back.

Really, there is no percentage whatsoever in throwing this kick with less than terminal intent. Lol, if that effectively buys you a moment's breathing room, congratulations, you are in a real fight.

Jow Gar Sifu Derek Johnson came up with an article about the Jow Gar Tiger Tail, which was described as having a "Jump-Spin-Back-Thrust" action, and was famous as a "finishing technique". Not surprising, as, hands-down, this is one of the most powerful ways to throw a kick that is known to martial arts.



Best,

Michael

PS: Welcome to the forum, manchutiger!

[inthebakyard]

[Daifong]

[inthebakyard]