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A core TanDao self defense technique. Realistic and effective. This is NOT a sparring technique. It is only for use in a life and death situation!

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One of the intentions of TanDao Fight Lab is comparative combat. A characteristic of Evolving Martial Artists is the ability to intelligently compare techniques from different styles. Our purpose is not to diss one technique over another, but to develop critical thinking to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a technique or system. In doing so, we seek the Way of Movement – the natural laws and patterns Daoist or modern scientist seek – rooted behind all systems even as diverse as krav maga, jujitsu, and tai ji. JKD pioneered the importance of conceptualizing martial arts. At TanDao, we strive to carry this torch forward.

TanDao’s intercepting claw was inspired by combining JKD’s straight lead punch (the intercepting fist) and the Shaolin tiger claw. By substituting a tiger claw as the weapon, we expand the variations and efficiency that go beyond JKD’s intercepting fist. As we’ve demonstrated in Fight Lab #5, the intercepting claw is a simultaneous strike to the chin and eye jab – not just a punch.

Which technique is superior? Wrong question. The “my dog is bigger than your dog” mindset is a hindrance to discovering the Way of Movement because this attitude severs the open mindedness to explore beyond the superficial conclusions, this weapon is more powerful or direct. Perhaps more insightful questions are: in what situation, strategy, tactic or way of maneuvering would each technique be more appropriate? What are the hidden weaknesses of each technique? What is the original reasoning behind the technique?

Evolving Martial Artists, realizing that there is no ultimate style or technique, learn how to scientifically compare styles and systems to discover universal principles of movement. If you want to go deeper, check out our vbook, TanDao for Evolving Martial Artists and ebook that introduce these ideas.

What do you think about comparative combat and ideas in our TanDao Fight Lab?
Let us know.

Lawrence Tan

Tiger Claw download — now available in DVD!
Check out our TanDao Fight Labs and our ebooks and videos
TanDao For Evolving Martial Artists is the first martial art vbook ever! Watch a book.

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In our TanDao System we combine JKD and Shaolin animal styles to create practical  techniques for extreme self-defense.  This week’s video introduces the TanDao intercepting claw. It is inspired by Bruce Lee’s straight lead punch and the Shaolin tiger claw. The intercepting claw exemplifies TanDao’s approach to bridging traditional art and modern fight science. The best of both worlds.

One of the core techniques in Bruce Lee’s JKD is the straight lead punch.  It is fast and powerful by using the dominant hand in the lead position. The weapon is structurally closer to the target than boxing and karate styles that generally favor positioning the power hand in the rear.  As such, the JKD intercepting fist, or the lead straight punch is ideal for intercepting the opponent’s attacks.

Traditional kung fu teaches that animal hand techniques, tiger claws, snake fangs and crane beaks are more sophisticated than punching. Like a fist, animal techniques can hit the target, but animal techniques are more versatile than the fist since animal techniques  can concentrate force into targeted vital pressure points.

In TanDao, we have combined the lead straight punch with the Shaolin tiger claw that is found in styles like hung gar or choy lay fut.  It is true, modern martial artists focus on punching and  seldom employ animal techniques. In the spirit of Fight Lab, experiment with it. Discover the power of the TanDao intercepting claw for yourself. It works!

To learn more about TanDao and our TanDao Tiger Combat series, check out our ebooks, video downloads and dvds.

A special thanks to those of you who have generously donated to the TanDao tip jar.

Lawrence Tan

Tiger Claw download — now available in DVD!
Check out our TanDao Fight Labs and our ebooks and videos
TanDao For Evolving Martial Artists is the first martial art vbook ever! Watch a book.

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Our new Fight Lab series is generating enthusiasm.  Many of you are probing deeper, beyond the obvious techniques, especially the idea of hardness and softness in Fight Lab #2. In this week’s Fight Lab we examine the double tiger claw thrust and focus on precision targeting.  As a defense against a two-hand grab to the throat or shoulders, we increase effectiveness by hitting the attacker’s collarbone instead of chest.  Simple and obvious.  But there is another variation.

Did you know that you would increase the effectiveness of a kick with this same technique? Our video depicts a fighting combination that ends with a double tiger claw thrust to the opponent’s chest followed by a kick. Can you find another lesson underlying this push – kick combination? There is an advanced kung fu tactic reflected in this technique that can be applied to other situations. Look beyond the obvious.

Our intention is for the TanDao Fight Lab videos to be repeatedly watched and studied.  Aware of the tradition of hidden knowledge, Evolving Martial Artists learn critical thinking to see techniques with new eyes.

Take a good look at the video – what is the main principle behind this technique?

Lawrence Tan
Check out our premium downloads – TanDao TIGER COMBAT ebook and video.
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The Universal Form is not an obvious fighting form, but it is a powerful foundation for all martial art styles and general wellness. Some of you have been asking us to show a tiger form. Students of TanDao Tiger may use this variation of the Universal Form to aid in their development of a powerful tiger claw. Use dynamic tension and focus on fingers and hand tensing and feel the “burn.” Do you have specific questions on learning this form or on tiger? Ask us!

We’re pleased with your responses to our new TanDao Fight Lab Series.  The idea of hardness and softness has stimulated responses from several TanDao Web Warriors.  Thanks for your comments and questions, including Sifu Lloyd Fridenburg and our forum members Advance One, Arnuld, and the Karate Kid. An application of hardness and softness is for understanding different ways of generating power.  A goju karate punch, boxer’s right cross, wing chun punch or a tai ji punch use different biomechanics.

The Evolving Martial Artist seeks to develop the appropriate hardness and softness, or muscular tension and relaxation to maximize power for a particular technique rather than mixing up different methods of creating power.  There is a different fighting distance and tactics behind the hard palm and the soft palm strikes on Fight Lab 2. Do you know the difference against a real partner? Keep the comments coming — we love your intelligent responses and your questions!

Lawrence Tan
Check out our premium downloads – TanDao TIGER COMBAT ebook and video.
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Lawrence wrote, directed, choreographed and was featured in this 1982 video, Tiger and Crane Shaolin Kung Fu. We were surprised to find a few of these on You Tube. The Hung Gar tiger and crane forms are demonstrated by Master Chiu Chi Lin, a descendant of the style’s originator, who is recognized today for his role in the film Kung Fu Hustle. In this video, Lawrence seems to find trouble wherever he goes…from ascending a staircase  (above) to strolling through the park — employing kung fu techniques for effective self defense.

Tiger and Crane Shaolin Kung Fu was made in the early days of video production. Today, we continue the tradition of exploring practical application of martial art techniques to protect and defend.  Check out our latest videos ~ including tiger and crane combat: http://www.tandao.com/videos/

1982 was a good year ~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT!