Punching Techniques
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Other Punches
- Overhand Punch. A jab or cross that travels over the top of the opponent's guard rather than traveling through the guard.
- Roundhouse Punch. The old fashioned "haymaker punch" is useful for punching around blocks or guards that would prevent a straight punch from reaching the target. It is also useful against an opponent who turns and ducks. A block appropriate for use against a straight punch often will not work against a curved punch to the same target. Typically, roundhouse punches are used at a somewhat closer range than straight punches. A roundhouse punch is an exaggerated hook punch. It is powerful but opens your centerline to counter attack. Best used as a finishing blow.
- Upset Punch. A fore fist punch that starts with the fist at the hip (knuckles up). Usually used to the middle section. As the punch is executed, the fist rotates outward and the elbow snaps inward. The more the arm is extended the less power in the punch so it is used in close combat. The fist may be held in a middle-knuckle fist so it will penetrate deeper when used to the solar plexus.
- Twin Upset Punch. Two upset punches executed at the same time. Usually used to the middle section in close combat situations.
- Vertical Punch. A fore fist punch that starts with the fist at the hip (knuckles up). As the punch is executed, the fist rotates outward and stop with the thumb on the top side (knuckles outward).
- Twin Vertical Punch. Two vertical punches executed simultaneously, usually to the high or middle sections.
- U-Shaped Punch. Two fore fist punches executed simultaneously in a U shape, one to the high section an done to the middle section.