Punching Correctly

[SiouxDogEater]

So today Sensei and I were were working on striking blows. Particularly punching. The way that he has me position my fist is of course everything that my body does not want to do.

Please keep in mind that I have complete respect for Sensei and that I in no way am looking to go back and say why not do it this way. His Dojo, His Training, and as far as I'm concerened it is gosple. Also... not looking for an argument. Just wanting to see what the veterans say. With that...

He says to roll my fist up. So that my fingers are stacked on each other with my thumb on the top. He says this gives you correct bone structure. He is all about bone structure.

He says if you punch with a fist that has your fingers pointed down, that you twist the bones in your fore arm which could have an effect on the rest of your posture which then can take away from your bone structure and so on and so on.

Again just looking for info. Please tell me what you think.

Thanks again!
SiouxDogEater

[kengar]

Sounds like your doing the vertical punch.

[SiouxDogEater]

He has me throw my fist this same way in all punche. Is it safe to say that this is just one of the many ways to punch and there is no one correct way? It sounds like he just chooses this way for the sake of bone structure. As mentioned, he is very clear as to his belief of bone structure and keeping it so you have the most effect.

Thanks for the input!
SiouxDogEater

[kengar]

personally I like the vertical punch, as you said the bones are lined up, and the punch it quick. Very seldom do I twist my fist to the side as you seen in many arts. At times I do have my fist slightly slanted maybe about 45 degree angle for hooks and crosses.

Maybe someone with good boxing experience will give their view on the horizontal punch.

[darrianation]

Yep, sounds like the vertical punch.

What style do you do? It is safer but I really don’t think it has the same power at least not on my heavy bag . Isshin ryu is a big proponent of this punch all though it shows up in a lot of styles in one form or another.

If you want to protect your hand it’s safer than the standard punch but lacks the same power. If your system teaches it then do it.

[chris davis 200]

I think that it is alot safer for the wrist as well - less likely to sprain or break the wrist.

Hsing i has punches with similar hand position. But generally the fist is held fairly loose, this may sound strange but it is to do with the alignment of the knuckles with the fore arm bones and that upon contact the form of the fist will compact and become solid anyway so there is no need to hold it tight befor hand. This idea is quite intersting it means that the muscles of the arm are not used so much because you have not 'clenched the fist'.

So therefor the arm can move at a faster rate. Although you may think that this produces a weaker punch (without clenching) - the addition of the entire body structure behind each strike causes an extremely powerful striking method. Also correctly using lines of force, and tendon power adds to the strength of the strike!

In summery - there are Tons of different ways of punching -

if your sensei can punch you and hurt you with his punches then do them his way -

if he can punch you n it doesnt really hurt - find a new teacher!

Cheers
Chris

[guy incognito]

guy incognito

I have found that using palm strikes i can hit harder as the wrist does not move around as much as a closed fist.But you use different tools for different jobs.In my particular style(tong long) we use primarily hammer fist,eye fist,And palms

[Toudiyama[NL]]

I have found the firtical punch but with the fingers and the thumb tucked the same way as the corkscrew punch, to be very good for close distance

We called it Tate Tsuki

[guy incognito]

guy incognito

I have found the firtical punch but with the fingers and the thumb tucked the same way as the corkscrew punch, to be very good for close distance

We called it Tate Tsuki

Not familliar with it got any pics or web pages so i can see it?

[HtTKar]

another dead thread ressurected.

The vertical punch that you are speaking of is how Jack Dempsey taught to throw punches. In a forward stance with your right heel 18" behind your left heel. Basically Your power-line runs from your pinky knuckly through your wrist, arms shoulder and down through your legs. The most powerfull punch that can be thrown is a vertical punch landing on the pinky knuckle. However, the bones in the hand behind the pinky knuckle are the easiest bones in the hand to break. For this reason Dempsey had people aim with their ring finger. Pick your left leg up and move it forward 3' without moving the rest of your body. Your body will fall forward because of gravity and your body weight. At the same time, your right foot will automatically spring your forward a little as you get to the ball of your foot. This falling and springing at the same time is called a "Falling Step". Aiming with your ring finger is using your "PowerLine", and this produces the most power. You keep your hands loose. As you move forward your right hand should open a little kind of like a knife hand towards your opponent shoulder. Your left hand should be grabbing and at the last second, before contact, the fist is clenched as tightly as possible. As you get better, you no longer have to step forward 3'. Your body will do the same movements whether it's 3' or 3".

You should be landing with the 3 small knuckles. Middle, ring, and pinky. This will give you a lot of bone structure to support your punch. The middle knuckle is usually larger than the rest. Hitting with this knuckle first can cause damage to your hand. A vertical fist punch is very straight.

Most people aim with the first two knuckles of their fist. This is a whirling punch and uses mainly shoulder muscles. The problem with this punch is that it causes a natural loop. The harder you throw this punch, the more your hands will loop out. This is because your knuckles are moving in a different direction than your bodyweight.
Try this excercise to see what I mean. Do a verticle punch towards a bag, and at the last second before contact draw your hand back in. You will not move much because you are pulling back on bodyweight that you were sending forward. Now. Excercise 2 Throw a 2 knuckle punch and pull back at the last second before contact. Your body will spin a little. This is because your arm is moving contrary to your bodyweight.

If there's one person I beleive about developing KO power in both hands; its Jack Dempsey

[sojobow]

Again just looking for info. Please tell me what you think.

Thanks again!
SiouxDogEater

It totally depends on the target the punch is being applied to: Solar plexus requires a different punch than a punch to the stermun (not "punch" but "strike" type which dictates the hand formation). One is vertical the other requires a horizontal fist. A strike to the throat areas might require a spear or leapord, the eyes might require snake, tiger. Same for the groin. Same to the shoulder blades. The area just under the nose is a good area to think of which fist is most effective.