Martial Arts: The Upper Cut

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: Stance

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! All energy is drawn up from the ground. It must flow through your body and be released through your target via the fist. This is why a good stance is imperative. Remember to keep your feet firmly on the ground and your guard up.

Step 3: The Upper Cut

From your basic stance, it's essential to get your full bodyweight behind the punch for maximum power.

As you pull your fist back, transfer your weight on to the front leg, and bend the knee of the front leg slightly.

As you circle the fist downwards and up, aiming for under the chin your hip should rotate forward, and just before impact, drive upwards, straightening the front leg and pushing your fist through the target.

Don't forget, that as with any punching technique, always keep your guard up.

Step 4: Breathing

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".

Step 5: Review

Remember! The perfect upper cut is a combination of a strong fist, a focusing of your energy, a solid stance, good hip rotation and breath control.