Why are there open handed strikes in Short Form Two?

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Why are there open handed strikes in Short Form Two?

Short Form One was limited to using only close handed defense, while Long Form One introduced open handed defense in the final isolation of the form. This progression is further expanded in Short Form Two by introducing open handed offensive maneuvers.

 

But, Short Form Two is not limited to just fully open handed offensive maneuvers. It also introduces the concept of "degrees of" - in this case, degrees of opening the hand for use in offensive maneuvers. This concept is illustrated with the punch, middle-knuckle, half-knuckle, hand-sword, and heel-palm strikes of Short Form Two.

 

And, if the reader analyzes the above summation further, they should notice that along with the degrees of opening the hand, the concept of utilizing more of the useful striking surfaces of the hand is also introduced. The reader is further encouraged to look to higher forms to see if and / or how this concept is further expanded upon.