Techniques require hand movements? Or are they unnecessary?

[Tom]

In wuxia TV adaptions there are ALWAYS a set of hand movements before the actual release of a skill (i.e. HL18Z, 1YZ, etc.). Most of the time though, it has to do with a palm technique. I have to ask, does the book ever describe it as so? Or is it just the directors' way of decorating the skill?

[CC]

A bit here and there. Lets use the famous Dragon Palms and its most famous stroke - The Mighty Dragon Regrets. In the book, the writer _sometimes_ describes Guo Jing as making a movement of circling his left hand and drawing back his right before releasing the palm with his right hand.

The TVB versions seem to make a fussier set of hand movements compared to what was described above.

[Tom]

A bit here and there. Lets use the famous Dragon Palms and its most famous stroke - The Mighty Dragon Regrets. In the book, the writer _sometimes_ describes Guo Jing as making a movement of circling his left hand and drawing back his right before releasing the palm with his right hand.

The TVB versions seem to make a fussier set of hand movements compared to what was described above.

I don't understand the concept of moving one's hand to release a palm blast. Does it have to do with circulating one's blood? I doubt it. Were the movements necessary?

[kyss of the sword]

the adaptions played up the hand movements for dramatic effect but in the novel, usually the expert only draws back the hand or shifts his body to assume a stance before releasing the strike. it's the same for mordern martial arts, like the horse stance or 'X' or 'Y' footstance in judo and jijitsu. the hand movement sis just flash that only occurs in the adaptions.

[Tom]

the adaptions played up the hand movements for dramatic effect but in the novel, usually the expert only draws back the hand or shifts his body to assume a stance before releasing the strike. it's the same for mordern martial arts, like the horse stance or 'X' or 'Y' footstance in judo and jijitsu. the hand movement sis just flash that only occurs in the adaptions.

Does that mean all the swinging-arounds of the hand are actually unnecessary?

[kyss of the sword]

if by swinging around the hands when your ten feet away from your opponent and then you jump forward with your hand outstreched, YES. swinging around near your opponent to disguise your attack with the intention to strike, that's just kungfu.