Eagle Claw, Pudao, Tiger!

Eagle Claw (Chinese: 鷹爪派; pinyin: yīng zhǎo pài) is a style of Chinese martial arts known for its gripping techniques, system of joint locks, takedowns, and pressure point strikes, which is representative of Chinese grappling known as Chin Na. The style is normally attributed to the famous patriotic Song Dynasty General Yue Fei.

The Chinese weapon known as the podao (Chinese: 朴刀) was originally an edged infantry weapon which is still used for training in many Chinese martial arts. The blade of a podao is shaped like a Chinese broadsword, but the weapon has a longer handle usually around one and a half to two meters (about four to six feet) which is circular in cross section. It looks somewhat similar to the guandao.

The podao is also known as the horse-cutter sword since it was used to slice the legs out from under a horse during battle. It is somewhat analogous to the Japanese nagamaki, although the latter was probably developed independently.

How to assume a Tiger Stance in Wushu
Instructions
1. Face forward, keeping your feet parallel.
2. Extend one foot all the way out from the side of the body, keeping your foot forward with the heel to the floor
3.Bend the knee 45 degrees on the other leg, the foot angling slightly outward.
4.Form an upturned fist (palm side upward) in front of your stomach with the hand nearest to your extended leg.
5. Raise your other arm above your bent knee with the fist facing outward at head level

Tips & Warnings
* The martial arts are physically demanding. Warm up with stretches before attempting any martial arts technique
* If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity.