Fist Series

 
Over the years, I have learned many ways to strike an opponent, but whenever I need to work on my own mechanics, I always go back to my basics and practice this short fist series that helps me concentrate on technique and power.

These 6 strikes consist of two long range punches, to mid range punches and 2 short range strikes.  Which strike to use, is largely determined on the distance to your attacker and the options you may have at the very moment the confrontation starts.

Before discussing the 6 strikes, just a quick reminder on how to form your first.  Keep your fingers tight together and then curl them into your palm.  Your thumb is placed across the knuckles like the photo shows to the right.

Remember, in order to protect your wrist, you want to maintain a tight grip, as this will help keep your wrist strong.

In class, we covered the specific details of each strike, so I am only going to touch on the key points.

Fist Series

1.  Straight punch -- long range -- this starts from the chamber at your side and comes out and rotates at the end into a horizontal position on impact.  Remember to keep your shoulder and elbow down for this strike.

 This is one of my mentors, teacher and friend, Tom Callos throwing a straight punch

2.  Vertical Punch -- mid range --  this punch comes from the chamber but only rotates halfway, so that your wrist is in a vertical position.  Just prior to impact, you want to rotate your wrist down, so that your top of your hand is perfectly aligned with the rest of your forearm. This alignment will protect your wrist from injury.

Remember to rotate the fist down to align the fist with the forearm with a vertical punch

3.  Uppercut -- short range -- this is NOT the traditional punch we grew up watching in boxing.  This is a close range punch that comes out about waist high and strikes the stomach at approximately the attackers belly button.  The fist remains in the horizontal position as if in chamber, when it makes contact.

The uppercut is a good for short range

4. Rising Punch -- long range -- this punch is closer to the traditional upper cut, in that it starts out in a "scooping" kind of motion.  Think of trying to hide this strike under an attackers hands that might be up.  Just prior to impact the wrist rotates to a horizontal position, just like a straight punch.

The rising punch rotates into a horizontal position on impact

5. Roundhouse -- medium range -- this is the classic strike most of us are familiar with, the only difference is I like to shorten the motion, so the impact of the strike occurs quicker.  On impact, don't forget to rotate the fist with the back of the hand facing you.  The strike should not go past the center line of attack.

The roundhouse is a good mid range strike to the head

6.  Hook Punch -- short range -- this is the last strike in our fist series and it comes across the body, almost as if you were going to do a push block, but instead you strike.  The fist stays horizontal on impact.  Be careful not to position the strike too close to the body, as you will lose power.  The classic use of this strike is when you are to the side of an attacker, or possibly in between two attackers.

Hook Punch

This post gives you a quick summary of the strikes we use in the fist series. 

Of course, one of the most important aspects of doing the fist series, is to develop more power and intensity; by focusing on the techniques of striking, as well as learning how to become rooted with the earth and develop greater hip turns when striking.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com