Tiger (Hu Xing)
The tiger form differs from the other four animals in that its training is designed to produce strong bones. The tiger is a fast animal with a strong pressing action for an attack. The tigers strenght is hard, forceful, and external strenght. The tiger form not only develops power, but also conditions the necessary tendons and bones to harden the spine and neck. To endure hard external power the neck and back must become tense and strong and the tiger form provides this ability.
Most of the power comes from strong stances and pwoerful waist action, the tiger student must have a well conditioned strong and sturdy back. The main techniques used in the tiger form is a tiger claw, this claw hand is a short, straight strike with pulls, twists, tears and presses upon impact.