Pulling Punches

WE DO NOT PULL PUNCHES!

"Pulling punches" is a term concocted by some so-called "masters" in support of their own theory of punching. Punches are not pulled; they are focused. A punch stops because it reached the limit of its travel, not because it was stopped short. Using focus, that stopping point is adjusted to be just before, on, or just beneath the surface of the target. In all three cases, the punch is delivered with full power and speed.

Every punch, no matter the martial arts style, must come to an end at some point. Overextending the distance of that point adds nothing to the punch. In fact, it diminishes the power of the punch. As humans, we cannot exert maximum power over a long distance. Look at power lifters, they exert maximum power to get the weight moving and then use some reduced level of power to keep it moving. Also, due to the mechanics of the body, maximum force cannot be exerted from all positions of the body. For any given position of the body, there is a point in a specified direction where maximum force may be applied. When punching, we try to ensure that that point is at the point of our focus.

After impact and a short penetration, a punch becomes a push. A push does no further harm; it only pushes the opponent off balance, upsets the stability of the puncher, and exposes the puncher to counterattacks as the arm is extended.