Hey Everyone,
I had a great discussion with a friend and student about this. We had a difference of opinion but you are more then welcome to read up on this subject by different authors out there. This is my take on the matter…
My question from friends and students was “what is the correct punching arm/hand position for me and what body motion is better to generate power?”
It is seen in so many martial arts and explained in so many ways like concentration of muscular tension just before impact, or concentration of spiritual energy through a direction and limb etc. This is all correct in my opinion but explained in different ways. If you focus your energy through your arm into your punch, one could say your “tensing your muscles” upon impact. But the position of your hand is different in so many arts including Krav Maga. Some Krav Maga systems say one thing and others say another.
It’s simple, follow body mechanics and muscle reaction. Why change the angle of your fist to “palm down” for example? Your body doesn’t necessarily align correctly through the wrist/shoulder if you do it. It also gives your brain one more additional thing to think about.
Mechanically, your ulna and radius must align with both styloid processes. This usually only happens when your wrist stays thumb up. Another reason is force generation with a closed hand must involve your humerus link to your scapula as quickly as possible which happens quickest through a pushing motion forward. Have you noticed why it is easier to do a push up on your knuckles when your hand is vertical and not horizontal. It’s because everything aligns properly that way…
To put into perspective, an example is the mechanics of Bruce Lee’s punch or one-inch punch. This is probably one of the fastest punching individuals known in the world. Everything aligns with your palm facing in and shoulder/body leaning forward at finish.
Yet another example is a proper push up for force generation and mechanics. Here is an article that explains how to do a push up which also leads to having your fist parallel to the floor palms in on your knuckles. Push up Mechanics.
Just a thought? What are yours…
Turning your palm horizontally wrapping muscles around the joint making them stronger. Exactly like when you put your hand in to the cloth. Till you wrap it around tightly you can move your hand freely, when tightly wrapped you cannot move it. Also it is natural to cross the ulna and radius, instinct tells you when you push something your fingers go up, when you close your fist you end up with horizontal fist.
Ok, I’ll give it a try, but when you lift your hands up from your hips, your natural position (Krav) is 45 degrees and/or vertical. But as you suggest traditional martial arts and Thai boxing etc have horizontal. I guess bottom line is aim with two front knuckles (index/middle) either way.
In this video the process of wrapping is explained, but from experiance it depends on individual preference 😉 https://lbposture.wordpress.com/2015/04/24/mobility-wod-principles/
This is good for students to have different examples. Thx