How To Punch

Learning how to punch is an important self defense skill but many people do not know how to punch properly; that is, so as not to do damage to themselves and to maximise their punching power.

You must first decide how you're going to strike, either a fist strike or a heel strike. To do a fist strike, curl your fingers tightly into the palm of your hand and lay your thumb across your fingers. It is important you do this correctly or you could break your fingers. You must also keep your wrist straight in regards to your arm.

If you choose to do a heel strike, you must have your palm facing your target with your hand tilted backwards and fingers curled under. The heel of your hand should be the first (and only) part of your hand to strike the target if you're learning how to punch like this.

When learning how to punch, it is easier to learn if you understand that punching power isn't about strength but about technique. By striking in straight lines and positioning your body correctly, you can increase your power.

To position your body; stand with your legs shoulder-width apart, step forward with the foot on the same side of your body as your non-punching arm and raise your arms up into your preferred punching position.

To get power into your punch you must use all of your body. Pull your arms back and rotate your shoulders to throw the punch, use your hips and legs to propel yourself into the punch, keep your arm and wrist both straight and solid and attempt to punch 2-4 inches past your target. The reason for trying to punch “through” your target is so that you are fully committed to the punch and less likely to injure yourself.

A big thing to concentrate on is focus. If you're not focused on your target, you are almost certain to get hurt, so, focus on where you want to hit, your own positioning and keep your target in your line of sight at all times. Remember to practise your technique and you'll learn how to punch with power and without hurting yourself.