Basic Punches
Punches
are ubiquitous in martial arts, and every style and every school has opinions
on how to perform them correctly. Here is a summary of how basic punches are
performed in Wright State University Karate.
Facts
- Striking surface is first two knuckles.
- Strongest knuckles on your hand.
- First two knuckles can be lined up with forearm bones to increase strength.
- Middle: Target is your opponent's solar plexus.
- A soft blow to the solar plexus can knock the wind out of someone.
- Rising: Target is your opponent's philtrum.
- The philtrum is the dent directly below your nose.
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Common Problems
- Throwing the shoulder forward with the punch.
- Crooked wrist.
- Punches are too high.
- Middle punches are at shoulder level instead of solar plexus.
- Rising punches are at forehead level instead of philtrum.
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Preparation
Basic punches begin from a standard chamber position:
- Fist is closed, but not tightly.
- Palm faces up.
- Thumb is wrapped around fist.
- Fist is held against rib cage.
- Elbow is directly back, not winging out to the side.
- Shoulder down, not tense.
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Execution
- Punching hand starts in chamber position.
- Hips provide momentum and power to punch.
- Your hips can control your entire body weight. Put it into your punch.
- Forarm rubs against your side as your fist moves forward.
- Prevents winging of the elbow.
- Provides extra power when friction ends.
- Fist is palm up until last possible moment, then twists to final position.
- Twist provides extra power.
- Fist is loose until last possible moment, squeeze on impact.
- Relaxed muscles move faster, but actual impact should be done with solid
fist.
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Final Position
- Back of hand is parallel to the ground.
- Teaches you to turn your fist over. See advanced punch technique below.
- Wrist is straight. First knuckle is lined up with forearm.
- Provides stability to the punch. If it isn't lined up, wrist can be
broken.
- Elbow is not completely straight, stop at 95%.
- Years of fully extending your elbows in punches can cause body damage.
- The act of halting the motion increases strength.
- Shoulders are square, do not reach.
- Maintain balanced position to be prepared for anything.
Basic Middle Punch:
- Arm is angled inward to center of your body.
- Target for middle punch is solar plexus, which is in the center of the
body.
- Arm is angled downward to your solar plexus level.
- Target for middle punch is solar plexus.
Basic Rising Punch:
- Arm is angled inward to center of your body.
- Target for rising punch is the philtrum, which is in the center of the
body.
- Arm is angled upward to your philtrum level.
- Target for rising punch is philtrum.
Advanced Basic Punch (Middle or Rising):
- Back of hand is angled at 45-degree angle to the ground.
- This orientation fits nicely between the ribcage into your opponent's
solar plexus.
- Allows first knuckle to be tilted forward slightly.
- First knuckle may be tilted forward slightly.
- Drives power down and into opponent's solar plexus.
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