Shaolin Boxing: Illustrated Guide to 36 Practical Combat Techniques

Currently, Shaolin martial arts have spread widely, and it’s no longer uncommon for martial arts students to practice a few sets of Shaolin boxing techniques. However, those who truly understand the principles and applications behind these techniques are few and far between. To highlight Shaolin martial arts’ emphasis on “practical combat,” I have compiled the commonly seen moves in Shaolin boxing forms, drawing upon teachings from Master Su Xi and Master Su Fa, 30th-generation monks of the Shaolin Temple, as well as insights from years of study and practice with my fellow practitioners. This piece is intended to spark further discussion and exchange with martial arts friends and colleagues.

Technique No.1: Diagonal Stance

This stance is one of the most common in Shaolin boxing, appearing in forms such as Small Red Boxing, Big Red Boxing, Cannon Boxing, and Tongbei Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your left foot and rotate your body to the right, squatting down into a horse stance. Bring both arms together in front of your chest, with your left arm on the outside and your right arm on the inside, fists facing inward (Fig. 1). Turn your body to the left into a bow stance, bending both arms forward and backward, fists facing down with knuckles aligned (Fig. 2).

Combat Application: If an opponent strikes toward your midsection, step in and hook their foot. Block their arm with your left arm, pressing it down to your chest (Fig. 3). Turn your body to the left while continuing to press and sweep their arm aside with your left hand. Then, with your right fist bent, strike toward the upper center of their body (Fig. 4, Fig. 5).

Technique No. 2: Elbow Guard

This technique is one of the most frequently used moves in Shaolin Red Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your left foot into a horse stance, using your left arm to block outward (Fig. 6). Turn your body to the left into a bow stance, continuing to block outward with your left arm, raising it above your head with your fist facing forward and upward. Bend your right arm, positioning it across your chest with the elbow pointing forward and the fist facing downward (Fig. 7).

Combat Application: When the opponent strikes toward your upper body with their right hand (Fig. 8), step forward with your left foot, hooking their foot. Use your left arm to block their arm outward (Fig. 9), then strike toward their midsection with a coiling motion using your right elbow (Fig. 10).

Technique No. 3: Body Contraction

Also known as “Body Withdrawal,” “Embrace and Contract,” or “Monkey Body Contraction,” this is one of the most commonly used moves in Small Red Boxing.

Individual Practice: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Grip with your right hand in front of your right chest, forming a fist with the palm facing inward. Form a fist with your left hand, bending it outward in front of your left shoulder (Fig. 11). Withdraw your left foot, squatting down into a left T-step, extending your left fist downward beside your left side (Fig. 12).

Combat Application: If the opponent steps forward and grabs your chest with their right hand (Fig. 13), step back, gripping their right hand with your right hand and pressing it against your chest. Raise your left arm up in front of your left shoulder (Fig. 14). Squat down, thrust your left fist downward, pressing their arm under your left armpit to lock their joint in a reverse lock (Fig. 15).

Technique No. 4: Rock Crusher Punch

The Rock Crusher Punch is a move used in Shaolin Cannon Boxing and Short Strike Boxing.

Individual Practice: Bend your right arm, positioning your fist in front of your chest, with your left fist protecting the inside of your right elbow. At the same time, raise your right knee (Fig. 16). Step forward with your right foot into a bow stance, extending your right arm to strike downward with a straight punch, forming a solid fist (Fig. 17).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your upper body with their left hand (Fig. 18), block their arm outward with your bent right arm while simultaneously striking their groin with your right knee (Fig. 19). Then, step down with your right foot, following their arm’s inner line with a punch from your right fist directed at their face (Fig. 20).

Technique No. 5: Leg Lift with Knee Strike

This technique, also known as “Wu Song Breaks the Shackles,” is a signature move in the Kungfu Guard Boxing style.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your left foot into a bow stance, extending both hands forward with palms facing downward (Fig. 21). Form fists and bring them up near your shoulders (Fig. 22). Lift your right knee while striking downward with both fists on either side of the raised knee, fists facing downward and knuckles aligned (Fig. 23).

Combat Application: When the opponent strikes toward your upper body with their right fist (Fig. 24), step in close, grabbing both of their shoulders with your hands (Fig. 25). Then, pull their shoulders downward as you drive your right knee upward toward their groin (Fig. 26).

Technique No. 6: Lion Opens Its Mouth Wide

This technique is a signature move in Small Red Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your right foot into a horse stance, using your left palm to block upward to the left (Fig. 27). Continue raising your left palm overhead while pushing forward with your right palm. Both palms face forward, with the right fingers pointing downward and the left fingers pointing upward (Fig. 28).

Combat Application: When the opponent strikes toward your upper body (Fig. 29), step slightly downward to evade (Fig. 30). Then, step forward with your right foot, raising your left palm to block their arm (Fig. 31), and strike their midsection with your right palm (Fig. 32).

Technique No. 7: Lead the Sheep by the Hand

This technique is a grappling move from Tongbei Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your right foot into a bow stance, sweeping forward with your left hand and positioning it in front of your body, while your right fist is held by your waist (Fig. 33). Turn your body to the left into a horse stance, sweeping your left hand back into a fist by your waist and bending your right elbow to strike downward in front of your body, with the fist facing upward (Fig. 34).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your upper body, sidestep to the right to avoid the attack (Fig. 35). Step forward with your left foot, grasping their wrist with your left hand (Fig. 36). Continue pulling their arm back with your left hand while striking down on their upper arm with your bent right elbow, forcing them to the ground (Fig. 37).

Technique No. 8: Overturning the Rivers and Seas

This technique is a throwing move from Guard Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your left foot into a bow stance, extending both hands forward with palms facing outward (Fig. 38). Rotate both palms from left to right, shifting into a horse stance with your left arm bent and raised above your head on the left side, while your right arm extends straight to the right (Fig. 39).

Combat Application: When the opponent throws a right punch toward your upper body, squat down and move your head to avoid the punch, positioning it under their right armpit (Fig. 40). Support their right lower leg with your left palm, while your right hand presses against their back (Fig. 41). Continue to lift their leg with your left hand and press down on their back with your right hand, forcing them to fall forward to the ground (Fig. 42).

Technique No. 9: Horse Stance Elbow Strike

Also known as “Heart-Piercing Elbow,” this technique from Short Strike Boxing is effective for close-range combat.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your left foot, turning your body to the right. Bend your right elbow inward to block, with your left fist positioned by your waist (Fig. 43). Step forward with your right foot into a horse stance, driving your right elbow forward with the point of the elbow aimed directly ahead, while placing your left palm over your right fist (Fig. 44).

Combat Application: When the opponent strikes toward your upper body, step forward with your left foot and use your right elbow to block their forearm inward (Fig. 45). Immediately step into a horse stance, driving the tip of your right elbow forward to strike toward their chest (Fig. 46).

Technique No. 10: Coiling Dragon Elbow

This technique is a grappling and escape move from Short Strike Boxing.

Individual Practice: Position your left fist in front of your chest with the elbow bent, palm facing downward. Bend your right elbow, placing your right fist by your back at waist level, palm facing backward. Step backward with your right foot into a left bow stance (Fig. 47). Turn your body 180 degrees to the left, sweeping your right elbow across to the left as you turn. Then, transition your right fist to a palm and push downward from your right waist toward the left (Fig. 48).

Combat Application: If the opponent has seized and twisted your right arm (Fig. 49), lean your upper body forward and step back with your left foot to lock their legs with your own (Fig. 50). Turn your body to the left, sweeping with your left elbow toward their upper body from behind (Fig. 51). Continue rotating to the left in a grinding motion to force them onto their back (Fig. 52). If you free your right hand, you can also strike their ribs with it.

Technique No. 11: Stacking Elbow

This technique appears in both Seven Star Boxing and Luohan Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward into a right bow stance, punching forward with your right fist while keeping your left fist by your waist (Fig. 53). Place your left palm on the outside of your right elbow (Fig. 54). Push your left palm forward along your right arm, retracting your right fist to your waist and lifting your right knee, with the foot pointing downward (Fig. 55). Step forward with your right foot into a horse stance, bending your right elbow to strike downward over your right thigh, while your left hand meets your right elbow (Fig. 56).

Combat Application: If you punch toward the opponent’s upper body with your right fist and they block outward with their left arm (Fig. 57), push your left palm forward along the outside of your right arm (Fig. 58). Then, retract your right fist to your waist and lift your right knee, grasping their left wrist with your left hand and pulling it back to make them bend forward (Fig. 59). Step your right foot down between their legs to trip their left leg, then strike down at their head with your right elbow (Fig. 60).

Technique No. 12: Hook and Sweep

Also known as “Tripping Rope” or “Stomp and Sweep,” this technique appears in Short Strike Boxing, Eight-Step Continuous Boxing, and Praying Mantis Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your left foot, pointing your toes outward. Bend your left arm in front of your chest, gripping with a fist, while your right fist is held by your waist (Fig. 61). Turn your body 90 degrees to the left, lifting your right leg straight up with your toes pointed back (Fig. 62). Swing your right foot forcefully backward to hook as you step down into a bow stance, pulling your left hand back to your waist and pressing your right palm down in front of your abdomen (Fig. 63).

Combat Application: If the opponent attacks your upper body with a left punch, step forward with your left fist, sidestepping to the right to avoid the strike. Grasp their wrist with your left hand (Fig. 64), then lift your right foot in front of their body and support their shoulder with your right hand (Fig. 65). Sweep your right leg forcefully to the back right to trip their left leg while pulling back with your left hand and pressing down on their elbow joint with your right hand, forcing them to bend forward and fall to the ground (Fig. 66).

Technique No. 13: Horse Stance Block and Strike

This technique appears in Eight-Step Continuous Boxing, Guard Boxing, and Plum Blossom Boxing. Although simple and common, it’s easy to execute and highly effective in practical combat.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your left foot, turning your toes outward and bending both legs into a cover step. Raise your left hand into a fist above your head on the left side, while keeping your right fist at your waist (Fig. 67). Step forward with your right foot into a horse stance and punch forward with your right fist, keeping your left hand position unchanged (Fig. 68).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your upper body with their right hand, squat down to evade while stepping forward with your left foot, using your left hand to lift and grasp their wrist (Fig. 69). Then, step forward with your right foot, pulling back with your left hand and striking their midsection with a punch from your right fist (Fig. 70).

Technique No. 14: Rooster Step

This is a distinctive and representative technique unique to Seven Star Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your right foot, pressing your left palm downward in front of your chest with the palm facing down, while keeping your right palm by your waist (Fig. 71). Sweep your left foot forward in an arc, scraping the ground forcefully and lifting your foot with the toes hooked inward. At the same time, pull your left hand backward while pushing forward with your right hand in a figure-eight palm position toward the front left (Fig. 72).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your midsection with a right punch, press down on their arm with your left palm (Fig. 73). Then, lift your left foot to hook their right lower leg while pressing their right hand down with your left hand. Lock their throat with your right hand in a figure-eight palm position, pushing forward to the left. This motion, combined with the backward pull, forces them to bend forward and fall to the ground (Fig. 74 and additional Fig. 74).

Technique No. 15: Throwing the Bundle

This is a throwing technique from Short Strike Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your right foot, turning your body to the left into a horse stance, with both hands extended to the right side. Place your left palm in front of your right shoulder, with the palm facing outward, and bend your right elbow with the palm facing downward (Fig. 75). Turn your body 90 degrees to the left, stepping back with your left foot so it aligns with your right foot, with a width of two foot lengths between them. Swing both hands to the right rear side of your body with palms facing each other (Fig. 76).

Combat Application: If the opponent throws a right punch toward your upper body, grasp their wrist with your left hand (Fig. 77). Step to their right side with your right foot, turning left as you step back with your left foot, pressing close to their body. Grasp their upper arm with your right hand (Fig. 78). Lean forward, lift your hips, and pull downward with both hands while turning slightly to the left, throwing them over your right shoulder to the ground (Fig. 79).

Technique No. 16: Hook Punch and Scraping Kick

This technique is from Scraping Foot Boxing, a skillful combination of upper and lower movements.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your right foot into a horse stance, bending your right arm outward to block, while keeping your left fist at your waist (Fig. 80). Extend your left fist to the left side and your right fist to the right side (Fig. 81). Sweep your left foot forward in an arc along the ground, bringing both fists together in front of your chest with palms facing inward in a hooking strike (Fig. 82).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your upper body with a right punch, block outward with your right fist (Fig. 83). Press their arm down with your right fist (Fig. 84), then pull your right fist back to strike their chest, while striking their lower back with your left fist. At the same time, scrape the back of their right heel with your left foot, causing them to fall backward to the ground (Fig. 85, Fig. 86, and additional Fig. 86).

Technique No. 17: Forward Takedown

This is a throwing technique from Short Strike Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your left foot into a bow stance, striking forward with your right fist while keeping your left fist at your waist (Fig. 87). Sweep your left palm forward along the outside of your right arm, pushing outward as you retract your right fist to your waist and lift your right knee (Fig. 88). Turn your body to the left, stepping down with your right foot into a horse stance. Push forward with your bent right palm, fingers pointing downward, and place your left palm in front of your right chest (Fig. 89).

Combat Application: Step forward with your left foot and strike toward the opponent’s face with a chopping right fist. If they raise their right arm to block (Fig. 90), use your left hand to push their arm aside (Fig. 91). Once their arm is pushed away, grip their wrist with your left hand and pull it back while lifting your right knee behind them (Fig. 92). Turn your body to the left, stepping down with your right foot into a horse stance to trip their right leg. Push their chest with your right palm while pulling back with your left hand, using both hands to force them to fall backward (Fig. 93).

Technique No. 18: Uprooting the Willow Tree (Part One)

This is a throwing technique from Short Strike Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your right foot into a bow stance, leaning your body forward. Raise your left hand above for a guard and extend your right palm forward and downward, with the palm facing outward (Fig. 94). Straighten your body to the left, shifting into a horse stance as both hands swing from left to right. Position your right fist above your head and extend your left fist horizontally to the left (Fig. 95).

Combat Application: When the opponent strikes toward your upper body with their right hand (Fig. 96), block outward with your left arm (Fig. 97). Step forward, threading your right hand between their legs, and hook their right knee from behind with an inverted grip. At the same time, grab their right wrist with your left hand and pull it back, pressing your right shoulder against their midsection (Fig. 98). Continue pulling back with your left hand while applying force with your right hand and shoulder, lifting them off the ground and flipping them over to land on the other side (Fig. 99).

Technique No. 19: Uprooting the Willow Tree (Part Two)

Individual Practice: Same as in Part One.

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your upper body with a left punch (Fig. 100), lift your left hand to grasp their wrist (Fig. 101) and pull it down and back toward your lower right side (Fig. 102). Then, slightly turn your body to the left, continuing to pull their arm upward to the left in a circular motion, causing them to bend backward in response to the pain (Fig. 103). Pull their arm back with your left hand while squatting down, and use your right hand to hook their left leg from behind. Press your right shoulder against their lower back (Fig. 104). Coordinate the strength of both hands and your shoulder to lift them over and throw them down on the ground from over your body (Fig. 105).

Technique No. 20: Reverse Hand Twist

This technique is a grappling and throwing move from Taizu Long Fist.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your right foot into a horse stance, performing a “cloud hand” with your right hand outward while your left hand guards in front of your abdomen (Fig. 106). Pull your right hand down and inward, and move your left hand in a circular motion outward and downward, pressing on top of your right arm (Fig. 107). Turn your body to the right into a bow stance, extending your right hand outward with the back of your hand facing forward. Simultaneously, push your left palm under your right hand, with the palm facing downward and forward (Fig. 108).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your upper body with a left punch, deflect it outward with a “cloud hand” motion (Fig. 109). If they then strike with their right punch, press their arm downward with your left hand (Fig. 110). Continue pressing both of their arms downward, crossing their arms. Step forward with your right foot, hooking their right foot (Fig. 111). Move in close to them, swinging your right arm over their crossed arms (Fig. 112), using your forearm to strike their chest and face. Meanwhile, control both of their arms with your left hand and push downward and forward, causing them to fall backward (Fig. 113).

Technique No. 21: Scissor Hands

This technique is a grappling move from Short Strike Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your right foot into a horse stance, using your left palm to block outward (Fig. 114). Form a tiger claw with your right hand and scoop upward from below (Fig. 115). Then pull your right hand inward while pushing forward with your left palm, forming the “Scissor Hands” position (Fig. 116).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your upper body with a right punch, block outward with your right palm (Fig. 117). Step forward with your right foot while hooking their upper right arm from below with your right hand (Fig. 118). Pull their arm inward with your right hand as you push forward on their forearm with your left hand, creating a scissor-like pressure that allows you to control or potentially lock and hyperextend their arm (Fig. 119 and additional Fig. 119).

Technique No. 22: Twisting Hand Flip

This technique is used in both Short Strike Boxing and Guard Boxing.

Individual Practice: Squat down with feet together, bending your left arm with the elbow down and fist facing inward, while keeping your right fist by your waist (Fig. 120). Step forward with your left foot into a bow stance, turning your left hand into a fist and lowering it outward in a sweeping motion in front of your body (Fig. 121). Continue sweeping your left hand toward your abdomen, while forming a choke hold with your right hand in front, slightly bending the arm (Fig. 122).

Combat Application: If the opponent grabs your chest with their right hand (Fig. 123), use your right hand to press their hand against your chest while bending your left arm to press down on their elbow joint. Step forward with your left foot, hooking their leg (Fig. 124). Then, change your left fist to a palm, sweeping from the inside of their right arm to their lower back (Fig. 125). Use your chest to press against and control their right arm while locking their throat with your right hand (Fig. 126).

Technique No. 23: Black Tiger Steals the Heart

This technique is from Black Tiger Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your right foot, pressing your right hand downward (Fig. 127). Bend your left arm in front of your body, forming a fist with the palm facing down, while keeping your right fist at your waist (Fig. 128). Punch forward with your right fist, positioning your left hand under your right arm with the palm facing down (Fig. 129). Slightly turn your body to the right, changing your left fist to a palm and extending it forward and upward along the outside of your right arm, as you retract your right fist to your waist (Fig. 130). Step forward with your left foot into a kneeling stance, raising your left fist above your head while extending your right fist forward in a sweeping punch (Fig. 131).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your midsection with a right punch, press their wrist downward with your right hand (Fig. 132). Pull your right fist back to your waist, while using your left hand to grasp their forearm downward (Fig. 133). Strike their face with your right fist; if they raise their arm to defend (Fig. 134), use your left hand to push their arm aside (Fig. 135). Then, grasp their wrist as you retract your right fist to your waist (Fig. 136). Step forward with your left foot, raising your left hand above for guard, and use your right fist to strike their midsection (Fig. 137).

Technique No. 24: Double Embrace the Root

This technique is used in both Short Strike Boxing and Luohan Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your left foot into a horse stance, turning your body to the left and raising both palms upward with palms facing up (Fig. 138). Shift into a bow stance, leaning your body forward and bending both elbows to hold your hands together in front of your knees (Fig. 139). Pull both hands back forcefully to your abdomen, pushing forward with your left shoulder (Fig. 140).

Combat Application: If the opponent attempts to strike both of your temples with a double punch (Fig. 141), raise both of your hands upward from the inside to block (Fig. 141). Then press their arms down, lean forward, and wrap your arms around their lower legs (Fig. 142). Push forward with your head and shoulder while pulling back with both hands, forcing them to fall backward (Fig. 143, Fig. 144).

Technique No. 25: Groin Kick

This is a kicking technique from Short Strike Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step back with your left foot, drawing your left hand in an arc to the left and placing your palm upright in front of your right chest. Retract your right foot into a T-step, circling your right hand backward, upward, and downward in a hooking motion, positioning it by the outside of your right leg (Figs. 145, 146). Lift your right foot and kick to the right side, slightly bending your left leg while keeping your upper body stable (Fig. 147).

Combat Application: If the opponent attempts a middle kick with their right leg, step back and use your hooked hand to catch their leg (Fig. 148). Then, use your right leg to kick the back of their knee, following the line of their leg to destabilize them (Fig. 149).

Technique No. 26: Little Demon Grinds the Mill

This technique is from Guard Boxing, known for its clever face-targeted control technique.

Individual Practice: Assume a horse stance and punch forward with your right fist, while positioning your left palm upright in front of your right chest (Fig. 150). Bend your left elbow and extend your palm forward with the palm facing outward in a bow stance (Fig. 151). Turn your body to the left, transforming your right hand into a fist and pulling both arms forcefully to the left side with fists facing downward in a horse stance (Fig. 152).

Combat Application: Strike the opponent’s upper body with a right punch (Fig. 153). If they attempt a back-throw maneuver on you (Fig. 154), extend your left palm forward and hook their face with a reverse grip (Fig. 155). Simultaneously, pull both hands forcefully to your left rear, rotating your waist to the left in sync, causing them to fall backward and to the side (Fig. 156).

Technique No. 27: Double Kick and Pounce

This technique is from Praying Mantis Boxing and is a grappling and throwing technique.

Individual Practice: Step back with your right foot to the left rear, bending both elbows and positioning your hands on the left side of your body with palms facing each other (Fig. 157). Form fists and swing both arms forcefully to the right rear with fists facing each other, while pushing your left leg back into a right bow stance (Fig. 158).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your upper and middle body with a right punch, turn your body to the right and step back with your right foot, using both hands to enclose and control their arm from above and below (Fig. 159). Pull their arm forcefully downward to the right as you push back with your left foot to trip their leg (Figs. 160, 161).

Technique No. 28: Overlord’s Whip

This is a grappling and striking technique from Praying Mantis Boxing.

Individual Practice: Turn your body to the right into a cross-step stance, extending your left fist forward and upward with the palm facing up, while keeping your right fist by your waist (Fig. 162). Rotate your left fist so the palm faces downward, and strike leftward with your right fist extended, stepping forward into a kneeling stance (Fig. 163).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your upper body with their right punch, extend your left fist upward to neutralize the force (Fig. 164). Then, step forward with your left foot to hook their lead leg, while using both arms to strike their face and abdomen, forcing them to fall backward (Figs. 165, 166, 167).

Technique No. 29: Seven Stars Triple Strike

This is one of the most frequently used continuous techniques in Seven Star Boxing, characterized by classic Shaolin martial arts traits.

Individual Practice: Stand with your legs together, extending your right fist to the left in a sweeping strike near your knee, with the fist facing outward, while keeping your left fist at your waist (Fig. 168). Step out with your right foot into a horse stance, bending your right arm to strike downward to the right, keeping your left hand steady (Fig. 169). Retract your right fist and then extend your right elbow upward (Fig. 170). Rotate your right fist into a backhand strike as you turn your body to the right into a bow stance (Fig. 171).

Combat Application: If the opponent kicks toward your lower body with their left foot, turn to the left and sweep their lower leg with your right fist to neutralize the attack (Fig. 172). Step forward with your right foot to lock their leg and strike their abdomen with your right fist (Fig. 173). Retract your right fist into an elbow strike to their chest (Fig. 174). After these hits, they are likely to lower their head, allowing you to strike their face with a backhanded palm. This sequence of strikes targets the lower, middle, and upper sections in a continuous, rapid succession, leaving the opponent no chance to recover (Fig. 175).

Technique No. 30: Collapsing Circle Combination

This is a continuous technique in Praying Mantis Boxing, combining two commonly used moves that are relatively easy to execute in actual combat.

Individual Practice: Hop with your right leg as your left palm presses down in front of your chest, with the palm facing downward (Fig. 176). Land your right foot into a kneeling stance, change your left hand to a fist, and strike forward with your right fist in an upward backhand motion over your left fist (Fig. 177). Transition your left fist to a palm and push it forward along the outside of your right arm (Fig. 178). Turn your body to the left, circling your right fist in front of your face with your left palm resting near your right wrist (Fig. 179).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your midsection with a punch, press down with your left hand while raising your right knee (Fig. 180). Step down with your right foot, grasp their wrist with your left hand, and press it downward while striking their face with a backhand punch from your right fist (Fig. 181). If they block with their left hand (Fig. 182), push along the outside of their arm with your left hand (Fig. 183). Then, grip their wrist with your left hand and pull it downward as you strike their temple with a circular punch from your right fist (Fig. 184).

Technique No. 31: Hook Step

This is a technique from Praying Mantis Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your left foot, bending your left arm outward in a grabbing motion to form a fist (Fig. 185). Turn your body to the left, bending your right arm with the palm facing left, positioned above your left arm (Fig. 186). Draw your left fist back to your waist while hooking your right hand outward, with the hook pointing backward, and perform a hooking kick with your right foot in front of your body (Fig. 187).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your upper body with a left punch, use your left hand to grab their wrist outward (Fig. 188). Slightly turn your body to the left, bringing your right hand back along their arm to your left chest (Fig. 189). Use your right foot to hook their left lower leg while simultaneously hooking their neck with your right hand, forcing them to fall backward (Fig. 190).

Technique No. 32: Heart-Plucking Punch

This is the first technique in Cannon Fist, often called “The King of Shaolin Fist Styles.” The classic texts describe Cannon Fist as “a punch that strikes like a cannon, with a body as swift as a dragon, moving so fast that demons fear it.”

Individual Practice: Step forward with your left foot into a sweeping step, using your left hand to grab outward in front of your body, forming a fist (Fig. 191). Bend your right arm, raising your right fist upward from your waist with the palm facing left, blocking outward. Position your left fist on the inner side of your right elbow, sweeping downward to the right in a slightly bent strike (Figs. 192, 193).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your midsection with a left punch, grab their wrist outward with your left hand (Fig. 194). Raise your right arm to deflect their arm upward and use your right foot to scrape-kick the back of their left heel. If they lift their left foot to evade (Fig. 195), step down with your right foot to hook and trip their right foot. At the same time, use a circular punch with your right fist to strike their chest, forcing them to fall backward (Fig. 196).

Technique No. 33: Carrying the Basket

This is a grappling technique from the “Eighteen Hands of Luohan.”

Individual Practice: Slap your right shoulder with your left hand and raise your right arm straight up to the upper right, forming a horse stance with the right fist facing forward (Fig. 197). Rotate your right fist inward, bending your elbow to press downward (Fig. 198).

Combat Application: If the opponent grabs your right shoulder with their left hand (Fig. 199), step back with your left foot, using your left hand to slap and press down on their hand while raising your right arm (Fig. 200). Shift your weight downward, bending your right elbow to press down on their elbow joint, forming a reverse joint lock that forces them to kneel down (Fig. 201).

Technique No. 34: Diagonal Flying Stance

Also known as “Diagonal Flying Swallow Shoulder Strike,” this is a close-contact technique from Eight-Step Continuous Boxing.

Individual Practice: Stand in a horse stance with both arms crossed in front of your chest, one arm above the other (Fig. 202). Turn your body to the right into a bow stance, extending your right palm forward with the palm facing up, and your left palm backward with the palm facing down (Fig. 203).

Combat Application: If the opponent strikes toward your upper body with a right punch, grab their wrist outward with your left hand (Fig. 204). Step forward with your right foot to hook their left leg while pulling their arm back with your left hand, inserting your right hand under your left arm (Fig. 205). In a bow stance, use your right arm and shoulder to strike their chest, forcing them to fall backward (Fig. 206).

Technique No. 35: Waist-Cutting Strike

This is a throwing technique from Short Strike Boxing.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your right foot into a bow stance, using your left hand as a palm block outward while keeping your right fist by your waist (Fig. 207). Change your left hand into a fist and pull it back to shoulder height, then extend it as a palm downward from your waist to the left in a pushing motion parallel to your waist. Step forward with your left foot, extending it straight with the toes hooked off the ground (Fig. 208).

Combat Application: If the opponent steps forward with their right foot and strikes your upper body with a left punch, use your left palm to block their wrist outward (Fig. 209). Then, hook their left foot with your left foot and pull back with your left hand, striking their waist with your right palm, causing them to fall sideways (Fig. 210).

Technique No. 36: Flower Under the Leaf

This is a technique from Praying Mantis Boxing, used for striking downward from an upper position.

Individual Practice: Step forward with your right foot into a horse stance, extending your right fist in a straight punch, with your left palm upright to guard in front of your right chest (Fig. 212). Turn your body to the right, pushing your left palm forward along the outside of your right arm (Fig. 213). Then turn your body to the left, changing your left hand into a fist and retracting it with the elbow bent, palm facing inward. Withdraw your right fist along with your left arm, positioning it inside the left arm as you step back with your left foot into a cross-step (Fig. 214). Sweep your right fist backward as your left arm extends outward (Fig. 215).

Combat Application: Strike toward the opponent’s upper body with your right fist. If they block outward with their left arm (Fig. 216), push their arm aside with your left hand (Fig. 217). Step back to their left rear, grasping their right wrist with your left hand and lifting it, while pulling your right fist back to your chest (Fig. 218). Finally, sweep backward with your left fist to strike their groin area (Fig. 219).