Martial Arts: The Punch
The punch is a key aspect to marital arts, so Steve Mortimore, VideoJug's expert black belt, shows you how to perform it properly.
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Step 1:
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You will need
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Step 2:
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The Fist
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Regardless of whether you're practicing karate or any other martial art, the principles of a good fist are the same.
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Never forget, that if you strike your target with an incorrect fist, you're more than likely going to end up with a wrist injury, or something equally as nasty.
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The target is hit with the knuckles of the first two fingers - the index finger and the middle finger.
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And what's primarily important here is the alignment of key points. Beginning with the middle of those first two knuckles, through the wrist and elbow to the shoulder. Any mis-alignment of these four points will result in a loss of power and in the worst case, you'll hurt yourself.
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Step 3:
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The Stance
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Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and taking a step back with your right foot to a comfortable distance, as if on tram lines. Then turn your feet 30º and bend your knees. Remember to keep your feet firmly on the ground.
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REMEMBER! All energy is drawn up from the ground. It must flow through your body and be released through your target via the fist. You can do this with a combination of movements and perhaps more importantly, with your stance.
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From this stance, good hip rotation will add power to your "power punch". If you're performing a right punch, your right hip should rotate forward with the punch.
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Step 4:
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Breathing
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Don't forget that correct breathing and the exhalation of your energy will improve your punching technique. Exhale throughout the entire execution of the punch. This exhalation should be strong and powerful and come from your abdomen. It's called the "KI-AI".
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Step 5:
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The Target
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Although there are many target areas on the human body, they fall into three main areas: the upper, the middle and the lower. These correspond to the chin, the solar plexus and the stomach/groin area.
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Step 6:
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Review
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Remember! The perfect punch is a combination of a strong fist, a focusing of your energy, a solid stance, good hip rotation and breath control.
