Eagle Claw Principles by Ernest Rothrock

 

 

Today’s Eagle Claw descends directly from three systems of Northern Kung Fu, the first being Chin’na (joint locking), developed by the famous General Yueh Fei (1103 – 41) of the Sung Dynasty. General Yueh Fei although not himself a product of Shaolin Temple, was extensively trained by the Shaolin Priest Jao Tung.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644), one of the great periods of Chinese cultural history, a Shaolin martial monk Li Chun, was famous for his abilities in Faan Tzu (martial tumbling). Li Chun chanced upon a demonstration of General Yueh Feii’s Chin’na. Li Chun saw the power of Eagle Claw hand techniques and the beauty of the form and was determined to combine it with his own Faan Tzu. In time, the monk Li Chun combined the two systems, creating Northern Shaolin Ying Jow Faan Tzu. (Eagle Claw as we know it today.)

Eagle Claw moves must be quick, alive, and natural. If training is unnatural, arms and legs are stiff, and moves are wooden. This is what is called “dead” strength. If arms and legs are stiff, the blood and chi are in turmoil, and internal power cannot be generated. Without internal power when fighting, chances are, one will lose the fight. Eagle Claw develops natural, concentrated movements by using circles and a half-clinched hand to grab, lock, and press vital points.

Eagle Claw exercises power like the bird who inspires the system – short, sharp, and fast. The hand techniques are dominated by the use of the claw and the seven principles, as will be illustrated further. The movements must be as lighting, hard together.

Wrist and fingers are special to Eagle Claw and should be developed to control an opponent without injury, causing damage only when absolutely unavoidable.

Eagle Claw comprises 7 principles for developing your self-defense and Kung Fu skills. Eagle Claw is considered the jewel of Kung Fu and is a complete system. The principles include:

Jow Da, Cum Na uses the fingers to claw and grab and lock the opponent so they cannot move.

Fun Gun, Chaw Quat to twist and separate muscles and tendons and break bones.

Dim Yut, Bye Hei strikes the vital points with the fingers and uses the Eagle Claw to stop the flow of blood and breathing.

Cow Wai, Saw Fung presses the arm to break or lock and control the opponent with fast, smooth blocks.

Sim Jim, Tong Na uses twisting body movements with blocks to avoid being hit and incorporates jumping kicks and sweeps.

Diu Cow, Fing Law controls the opponent and uses soft power to keep your opponent off balance.

Noi Sup, Chung Dit absorbs the opponent’s blow; use throwing and gymnastics.

Eagle Claw Fighting Principles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSS169xznSA 

 One time during a visit Ernie made to visit me, he gave a clinic on these principles for my students.