The Water Fist

[Eric]

Hi there HG folks,

I have a question for you all, one of our students awhile back showed me a technique called something akin to "The water Fist" or "the waterfall fist" I can't remember exactly which. It was a long arm technique, raising from about hip level to head level, and the hand was tilted down in a fist, as though the person was lifting a bucket of water.

I was wondering if those on this forum had heard of, or used this technique before. Because I've been trying on and off to figure out what scenario this type of tool was used, and I haven't come to a definite conclusion, so I'm looking for wisdom from some practitiors more familiar with it than I.

So what's with the water fist?

[SupYeeKiuSau]

Hello,

The technique you are asking about is properly known in HG as "tsoi lum pow choi", or "casting ball on the waves uppercut", or in some circles called a "backhand uppercut." The technique is used in a variety of ways, from striking with the fist to the chin, bottom of the arm or groin, to using the forearm/bridge to break the elbow (in conjunction with the other arm cutting downward simultaneously). It is also used defensively to clear the line of attack. In HG it is a signature move from the Ng Hang (Five Elements) and even in the long bridge shape can be effectively used at fairly close range.

Regards,
SYKS

[Eric]

Thanks, SYKS!

So is this technique simply a rough equivalent to a rising punch, something to vertically clear center, or hit from underneath? Or does it have a deeper meaning and purpose when it comes to the kiu sao training?

EDIT

Let me clarify what I was asking by a deeper purpose in kiu sao training, Is it something you would use to piece a defense, or to make a bridge? I see that you've mentioned it's used defensively to clear the line of attack, in what type of scenario is it used?

[SupYeeKiuSau]

Hello,
RE:
"So is this technique simply a rough equivalent to a rising punch, something to vertically clear center, or hit from underneath?"

Pretty close. Speaking on the movement alone it is used to clear the line from under the bridge, using this method to enter from outside to inside/inside to outside, or to strike with the fist or bridge arm to select targets.

But for us (Hung Ga boxers) the key element is in our foundation attainment of the "Iron Bridge, Stance and Thousand Pound Sinking" skill. In other words, the standards of a powerful root, extreme body connection, and strong bridge are prerequisite-without these the technique is just an empty shape.

"Is it something you would use to piece a defense, or to make a bridge?"

Both.

"I see that you've mentioned it's used defensively to clear the line of attack, in what type of scenario is it used?"

There are a variety of scenarios where it can be used in a defensive manner. One is possibly against a straight line attack to the upper gate; simply lower the body (Hung Ga's Ji Ng Ma) and launch the technique at the bridge or elbow of the attacking limb, making contact with the top of your bridgearm. Again, absence or lack of the prerequisite foundation would disqualify this use of the movement from being Hung Ga proper.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
SYKS