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Basic But Devastating Techniques - The Horizontal Punch

Author: Joshua Peacock
Date Posted: April 19, 2009

The good old fashioned Karate punch-or, the Horizontal or "Reverse" punch, is one of the most popular and abundant techniques in the martial arts. Different versions of it are use by boxers, Kung Fu practitioners, Jujutsuka, and, of course, Karateka. Although it's not the most versatile of hand strikes, it packs a lot of power-and is relatively simple to learn and execute. Mastering this punch could be a valuable addition to your arsenal as a martial artist.

Proper Technique

Hold your fists clenched (palm facing up) just under your armpit, elbows straight back, in the chamber position. Using your elbow-and allowing your shoulder to stay relaxed and unmoved-move your fist forward while still keeping the palm facing up. During this time, your arm should slant slightly downward, so that your fist is just barely under your shoulder in height. Just before your arm fully extends (or before hitting your target) twist your fist around so the back is facing up. Do not fully extend your arm.

Make sure that your arm is completely relaxed until the moment of impact, where you tense and release all of the energy. This is much more efficient and powerful than tensing your arm the entire time, which works against you-and ends up more of a push than a strike. Another vital thing to remember is to ALWAYS focus the impact onto you first two knuckles-NOT your last three. The last three will most likely break, which is known as a "Boxer's Fracture". But the first two are much stronger.

Power Generation

When jabbing the body moves slightly to the opposite direction of the strike to propel it outwards--sometimes drawing extra power from pressure on the front leg. This is a quick strike, and doesn't necessarily hold your full striking power.

The cross (striking with the back hand) is the punch that usually holds the real power. In order to draw power, shoot pressure from your back leg up through your hips. Your hips will flick forward, launching your punch out. When you make contact-keeping the notes on technique in mind while executing it-turn you entire torso into it for added strength. Putting your whole body behind an attack is what will help deal some real damage.

About The Author

Joshua started his martial journey in the art of Taekwondo, and holds a rank of second degree black belt. He has since developed a love for Chinese martial arts and currently studies Wing Chun Kung fu. He has dabbled in many styles, including: Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu Karate, Five Animal Kung fu, Capoeira, Taiji quan, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, American Kenpo and Eskrima/Arnis. Joshua also loves to write, and is inspired by his strong Christian Faith. He has been studying martial arts for ten years

For more tips and strategies on the martial arts and self-defense, visit http://www.yieldingbamboo.webs.com

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of Wing Chun articles.

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