Backfist a devasting strike: Simple Trapping Techniques
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Lama Pai Backfist·DaiLung
Bruce Lee showed everyone what trapping was all about in his movies. We start off with check and back fist which are the…
Lama Pai Backfist
SubFamily喇嘛派反拳(Lama Pai Backfist)
Translation: lama pai backfist
Overview
The Lama Pai Backfist is a wide, sweeping backfist from the Tibetan Lama fighting tradition, using the momentum of a full body turn to deliver devastating force with the back of the fist. [1]
Lama BackfistTibetan Backfist
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Traditional kung fu technique with historical combat application. [1]
Lineage
Tibetan Lama tradition → Hop-Gar Kung Fu → Ng Yim-Ming lineage. [1]
Competition Record
Traditional martial arts; limited modern competition application
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Lama Pai Backfist-specific kung fu mechanics using Chi principles
Position & Entry
From kung fu stance — Execute lama pai backfist
Variants
Not yet documented
Videos
Hap Gar Chain Punching
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Lama Pai Backfist·Rising Crane
This is an explanation of the Hap Gar Technique 'Lin wan Chyun Choi' (Chain Piercing Punches) and how to train them for …
Double backfist
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Lama Pai Backfist·DaiLung
Double backfist add a spin and you get a Crane wing strike. Such a cool technique, yet sneaky and very effective. Lear…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The Lama Pai backfist is a striking technique featured across multiple kung fu traditions, with instructors emphasizing both its mechanics and combative application. DaiLung presents the backfist (singhua) as part of a double-strike combination, executed by crossing the wrists overhead and driving the strike downward with hip rotation, followed by a follow-up strike to alternate targets. The instructor stresses penetration through the target rather than stopping at impact, and demonstrates integration into fighting from guard position with defensive applications including blocking transitions. DaiLung also isolates the backfist within trapping sequences, where a checking hand controls the opponent's limb before the backfist delivers the strike, practiced with circular rolling motions to maintain fluidity and relaxation. Rising Crane's approach differs by contextualizing chain punching (Lin Wan Chung Choy) as a pursuing technique used after stunning an opponent, though this focuses more on straight punches than the backfist specifically. All instructors emphasize proper stance mechanics, continuous forward momentum, and the importance of training both solo and with partners or pads to develop timing and practical application in sparring or self-defense scenarios.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- DaiLung — Double backfist: Detailed mechanics of singhua (double backfist) including wrist crossing, hip-driven rotation, proper target penetration, and integration into fighting stance with defensive applications
- DaiLung — Backfist a devasting strike: Simple Trapping Techniques: Trapping framework for backfist delivery, checking mechanics, circular hand rolling patterns, and solo/partner training methods emphasizing relaxation and continuous practice
- Rising Crane — Hap Gar Chain Punching: Context of chain striking techniques as follow-up to opponent disruption, though focused primarily on straight punches rather than backfist variations
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
7
Very High7/10
Kung fu strike targeting vital points
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
WBC/Boxing — Only closed-fist punches permitted {src— WBC Rules of Boxing}
Kyokushin — Only closed-fist strikes to body permitted {src— IKO Kyokushin Tournament Rules}
— WT — Prohibited
WT Competition Rules 2024PDF— WAKO — Closed fist only
WAKO Competition RulesPDFK-1/GLORY — Closed fist only {src— K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
Restricted
— WKF — Varies by technique — some open-hand strikes legal ...
WKF Competition Rules 2024PDF— ITF — Some knife hand techniques legal
ITF Competition RulesPDFLegal
— palm strikes, slaps permitted
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— IFMA — Legal — palm strikes permitted in Muay Thai
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Requires Chi cultivation and conditioning (Chin & Staples)
✓Iron palm training takes years of dedicated practice
Common Mistakes
!Using muscular force instead of Chi
!Tensing the arm
!Poor stance
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Stance → Chi direction → Lama Pai Backfist → Follow-up
Sources & References
Primary Source
Hop-Gar Kung Fu (Chin & Staples)
1Book[1] Chin, D. and Staples, M. Hop-Gar Kung Fu. Unique Publications.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Chin, D
2Citation[1] Chin, D. and Staples, M. Hop-Gar Kung Fu. Unique Publications.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Chin, D
Community
Athletics
Chi cultivation
Finger and hand conditioning
Internal energy development
Notes
Lama Pai (Tibetan White Crane) is a southern Chinese kung fu style known for its long-range striking. The Lama Pai backfist uses a whipping arm motion characteristic of crane-style fighting — wide, swinging strikes that generate power through extension rather than rotation. (Chinese martial arts texts; kung fu instructionals)
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I follow through when executing a Lama Pai backfist?
You want to go all the way through your target rather than stopping at it—think of hitting your target and continuing the motion downward. According to DaiLung, you should practice the up-down, up-down rhythm to develop proper penetration.
What's the best way to practice backfist combinations for defense?
Start with your hands up and ready so you can easily transition into blocking or checking movements before executing the backfist. DaiLung demonstrates that you can flow between defensive positions like paquette and crosses repeatedly.
How do I trap an opponent's arm when throwing a backfist?
Use a checking motion first to control their arm, pushing it down toward their belly so they cannot use it against you. DaiLung emphasizes practicing this checking action repeatedly on both sides to build consistency.
How does the Lama Pai Backfist work?
The Lama Pai Backfist is a wide, sweeping backfist from the Tibetan Lama fighting tradition, using the momentum of a full body turn to deliver devastating force with the back of the fist.
Where does the Lama Pai Backfist come from?
Lama Pai Backfist originates from the Hop-Gar (Tibetan White Crane) system, brought from Tibet to Southern China. The system was passed through the Lama tradition and refined by Grandmaster Ng Yim-Ming.
Is the Lama Pai Backfist legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal (palm strikes, slaps permitted); WBC/Boxing: banned — Only closed-fist punches permitted; WKF: restricted — Varies by technique — some open-hand strikes legal in kata, generally restric…; Kyokushin: banned — Only closed-fist strikes to body permitted; WT: banned — Prohibited; ITF: restricted — Some knife hand techniques legal; WAKO: banned — Closed fist only; K: banned — 1/GLORY — Closed fist only; IFMA: legal — Legal — palm strikes permitted in Muay Thai
How dangerous is the Lama Pai Backfist?
Danger rating 7/10. Kung fu strike targeting vital points
How do I set up the Lama Pai Backfist?
The standard setup chain: Stance → Chi direction → Lama Pai Backfist → Follow-up.
How do I defend against the Lama Pai Backfist?
Standard counters include: Distance management / Blocking / Evasion.
How effective is the Lama Pai Backfist in competition?
Traditional martial arts; limited modern competition application
What are common mistakes when doing the Lama Pai Backfist?
Top errors to watch for: Using muscular force instead of Chi / Tensing the arm / Poor stance.
What are other names for the Lama Pai Backfist?
The Lama Pai Backfist is also known as Lama Pai Backfist, Lama Backfist, Tibetan Backfist.