Bao Quan
豹拳
Literally: leopard fist
Also known as: Leopard Blow
Leopard fist: a strike with the front knuckles of fingers bent into a half-closed fist that concentrates force on soft targets such as the throat or ribs.
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Bao Quan (豹拳), literally leopard fist, in English Leopard Blow, is a finger-knuckle strike: the first two finger joints bend inward and the front knuckles deliver the blow. This forms a half-closed fist with an edge from the fingers bent at the first knuckle. The source gives two grips: four fingers, faster with longer reach, or with the thumb added, firmer with less risk to the hand. It is delivered from close range and at an angle to reduce impact on the hand. Its small striking surface concentrates force on soft targets: throat, ribs, solar plexus, kidneys, groin, inner arm, jugular vein, eyes, nose bridge, jaw and temples. In hand shape it differs from the phoenix eye (a strike with the index knuckle to pressure points) and the leopard claw (fingers set for clawing). It is mainly a technique of the leopard style, one of the southern Five Animals styles alongside tiger, crane, snake and dragon, founded per the source by Jueyuan, Li Yuanshou (Li Sou) and Bai Yufeng from observing leopards in nature. The style relies on speed over strength and attacks in combinations of one to three techniques. It also appears in Choy Li Fut, in Kyokushin, Shotokan and Uechi-ryu karate, and in kempo.