Hi Tom, all traditional systems of fighting are in fact based on body type it is not that cupped hands don't work, it is just when and how it is used best. example, Shoalin is first divided in to northern and southern Shoalin, one uses long reaching techniqes, the other short tight techniques. the question is why, the answer is general human size. If you are a man of small frame, fighting a large framed man, for the small man reach is the answer for him. The proof of this is, in boxing the man with the shorter reach is classified as having a disadvantage. to get into striking range, he is at risk of being hit twice as hard! and that is the real point I was trying to bring out that in a nose to nose, the smaller man may find the cupped hand technique works well, with a quick retreat follow up. to work better for him. where as, the taler man may find no need for it and use a shorter technique like a high block-strike.
 Now can a tale man use the full length of his arm to strike a shorter man with the cupped hand technique, yes he can But all things being equal, combined with murphy's law, The larger man in general is slower than the smaller man because the larger man has more mass to move than the smaller man. it would be wise if the larger man uses shorter techniques and the smaller man use the longer. in other words if speed is equal, and the large and the small man using a simple back fist and start the strike at the same time, the small man will complete the back fist first, only because the mass in the arm of the larger man is a third greater.
 This is generally true and is a well known fact in boxing, Light weights are generally faster than heavy weights. true that if the heavy weight hits the light weight it's lights out but it is also true that the light weight will strike twice as fast and score more punches.
Now Mastery of martial arts is a science of why, then what and when or, what (technique), "why" it is used, and (when) or by who. acording to mathamatical law. that is the real science not the system or that style or this technique, that is just children talking. and that is the point I was pointing out. I was trying to say that if a poster wishs to start a discusion on a technique like a cupped hand strike, the cross talk should be about what, when and why! without insults or feeling insulted and You are only getting insulted by your own lack of knowledge. why do I say that, you don't ask questions or add to the talk, you keep pulling out master Mantaigue out of nowhere because thats your only weapon. and I am not inpress by him or your use of him! nor is anyone else. Master Mantaigue is just a man not a personal weapon he is like Masters Dillman, Sokon, Moran, Kisi, and myself, they don't know it all, they just what to discover it all, that is what a masters is and work towards. To learn you have to pay attention and ask questions, then you will some day know.