Martial Arts Burbank: Kung Fu Punch

Put Power in Your Punch Alignment of your bones is probably the single most important aspect of a great punch. It’s extremely important to keep the shoulder down and slightly bent during the straight reverse punch. The main way to achieve that is by keeping the elbow down as well. Often, the elbow is seen aiming out to the side in the reverse punch which, in turn, raises the shoulder a bit. That stretches out the lats some which then causes a loss of compression in the back and an ensuing loss of power. We call it “leaking power out the shoulder”. Keep the elbow down. Try not to overturn your fist leaving the index knuckle slightly higher than the pinky – the fist left at an angle. Then, use your WAIST. Very important. Create a “drawing of the bow” effect by drawing your waist slightly back before the punch. This is done naturally when proper body posture and footwork are employed. To throw the punch, lead (use) the waist. Push with the feet causing the waist to turn sharply and then “release” (throw) the punch. To practice this technique follow these simple instructions: 1) stand in horse stance (feet 1 ½ shoulders wide) 2) put out left hand and chamber right hand on right hip… making fists 3) turn waist sharply to the left 20 degrees or so (not too far) and throw punch to the side aligned with the center of your body 4) bring body back to center 5) next turn body to the right sharply and throw left punch (20 degrees or so to the right of straight ahead)… again, keeping the punch in line with the center of your body and at solar plexus height Once you get the hang of it, keep punching from left to right and right to left using your waist action to drive both punches. Remember, do not turn too far as it can make the knees sore when improperly executed as well as throw you off balance.