White Tiger Fist · Hung Gar Kung Fu
Sau Choy — Inward Swinging Strike
An arching, whipping strike swinging inward toward the opponent's centreline — like cracking a whip with the whole body.
What Is Sau Choy?
Sau Choy combines torque from the waist, dropping body weight, and a circular arm motion to deliver maximum impact to the temple, jaw, neck, or shoulder.
How to Execute
- Stance: Horse stance (sei ping ma) or bow stance (gung ji ma).
- Chamber: Draw the striking hand behind you at shoulder height — wrist relaxed.
- Swing: Rotate hips and waist inward while the arm swings in a large circular arc.
- Strike: Back of the knuckle, back fist, or forearm lands on the temple, jaw, neck, or shoulder.
- Follow-through: Let momentum carry through, or recoil into the next technique.
Key Points
- Power from waist rotation — not arm strength alone.
- Fluid, relaxed, and explosive — like swinging a heavy chain.
- Often paired with a "Hup" or "Wah" shout to synchronise breath and strike.
- Can break a guard, counter a hook, or deliver a finishing blow.
Applications
Close to mid range
Effective across both fighting distances.
Guard breaking
The circular path reaches around a defensive guard.
Counter-striking
Intercept strikes or capitalise on openings.
Forms training
Develops whipping power and body unity.
