Tanzhang can be called 'reaching palm' or 'probing palm' in English. It has the feeling of reaching into a bag to find something, and then perhaps pulling that out. It, along with chuanzhang, is the main technique for quick and agile attack. It is one of the mother abilities, growing out of the dragon's single palm change.
The action is like pulling a bow and shooting an arrow. Focus like you are really shooting an arrow, so that the enemy is scared and might move away. Otherwise there is no meaning. All qi, power, and spirit are concentrated on one attack with one result – either you get him or he runs away – there is no ambiguous result. You do not need to rush, this technique would usually be used when the opponent is retreating.
Do not over reach – keep heavy in the body. Always reach the leading hand forward with a clear circle and grab, then bring it in fist heart up as the rear hand shoots out with the tanzhang. Open up more in the chest than with the arm, place the 'arrow hand' at the chest so that it can shoot out directly. This trains the ability to shoot directly from the dragon walking position without any preparation. The step ends up with the rear leg slightly behind the leading leg. This is a close mabu, a mabu feeling, not a reverse stance. The leading arm is in line with the leading leg.
Tanzhang is often used in conjunction with chuanzhang. Tanzhang has at least eight variations to the front and eight to the rear.
Eagle way of doing tanzhang,
Power release drills
Partner training drills
Sparring drills
