Lesson 1: Terminology

Hand Shape

Hand shape is the position the hand is held in during a technique, such as in a knife hand or hammer fist shape.

• Just as with the chamber, pre-shaping of the hand is used when learning new techniques and when performing patterns. However, when sparring, pre-shaping of the hand is eliminated to maximize quickness and so as not to telegraph a movement to opponent.
• When sparring, all hand attacks or blocks start with hands held in tight fists.
• Hand shape is changed, as is necessary, just as hand begins it movement toward the point of focus. For example, if planning a knife hand attack, do not open hand into a knife hand shape before the hand starts moving toward the target.

Hand-Foot Timing

Hand-foot timing occurs when the arm performing a technique is timed to reach its point of focus just as the stepping foot touches the floor.

• This ensures that body mass is applied to the technique at just the right moment.
• A general rule, keep the arm chambered until the instant the stepping foot touches the floor. Since the arm moves so quickly, it will reach its point of focus just as the body weight shifts to the stepping foot.
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