Comments on: Bare-Knuckle Striking: The Issue of Form

By: artsbrew

artsbrew — Thu, 11 May 2017 09:37:23 +0000

when i was taught over the summer after i graduated high school. i got a one way tick to hawaii. there i took a karate class once a week for 2 months or so. i was told to be twisting the wrist as you punch and you are suppose to hit with the first 2 big knuckles. also to punch threw what ever you were punching at. practice practice and practice. never broke any bones in my hand but broke noses , knocked teeth out.

now i am older and i have plenty of problems. there is nothing unfair in a fight, you only have one thing to do and that is win the fight the best way you can. if it means really hurting someone that is the way it is. go for it and keep going. try to stay out of the fight if you can, but if you cannot put everything you have into it. you should never throw the first punch. if you do you have assaulted him. it does leave you at a disadvantage but an assault charge is not good either/

By: Henry Neloms

Henry Neloms — Wed, 10 May 2017 08:31:25 +0000

This was a very enlightening for me. I had everything about bare fist fighting all wrong!

By: Willim

Willim — Mon, 08 May 2017 23:22:06 +0000

Having fought for a number of years and, or decades ago( twice on TV) and loosing a split decision to Armando Muniz who went on to win the welterweight title, bare knuckle fighting can indeed be dangerous to the fingers and hands so making a tight fist is a must. However, if the opportunity should prevail itself, hitting an attacker with an open palm under the nose driving his nose to the top of his head is an excellent start as is jamming your finger beneath the throat in that indented area which will almost in all cases bring an attacker to the ground or his knees at which point you can either retreat or finish the encounter quite speedily if necessary.

By: John Pascucci

John Pascucci — Mon, 08 May 2017 16:33:26 +0000

Excellent article. Very informative and useful. Would welcome more of the same. I also understand Diesel’s response having some experience in martial arts. Thank you Johnny

By: DR. GEORGE PETROTTA

DR. GEORGE PETROTTA — Mon, 08 May 2017 13:27:45 +0000

In reply to Diesel. 54 years in practicing of martial arts. I have found the Vertical fist and open hand strikes are more valuable to the inexperienced fighter or man/woman on the street. Open hand strikes cane be turned into vicious grabs of eyes, nose or ears. Vertical punches eliminate the rotation of the wrist in a straight punch from the front or the side. Most people do not have the time to learn how to punch like a boxer.IMHO!

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 08 May 2017 13:07:41 +0000

Combat, fighting, in a controlled enviornment is unpredictable and in personal defense more unpredictable. As a boxer/kickboxer with 35 years of experience, the last thing I advise is punching with a fist in a street/self defense confrontation. This suggestion is especially true when a trained puncher, capable of generating more force, is the target of agression. Breaking one’s hand/wrist is the most likely outcome when your opponet, who has the same reactions as non-perps, ducks his head and your strike his skull instead of his jaw. Open plam strikes to the face and ear avoids this mistake. An ear strike with an open palm will disorient the largest opponent. An elbow to the face is more destructive than an unprotected ungloved fist. Leave punching with a fist to the ring.

By: Vito Stone

Vito Stone — Mon, 08 May 2017 09:07:24 +0000

Hi, most of this instruction is very good. With the comment about someone’s thumb being to long is just nuts, you fold your tumb over your knuckles at a 90° angle. Plus I’ve yet to meet someone whose fingers are to long to make a fist unless their palms are very small and apparently have “deformed” hands. Plus they’re not going to have time to pack their fist with a “baton” when a fight breaks out. When I used to street fight, we used to pack our fist with a Bic lighter. I also was an accomplished boxer, who was good enough to compete for the Golden Gloves in my area, but a torn ACL ruined that chance for me from a different sports injury. You are completely correct about the hips, and as my trainer used to tell me “put your ass into your punches” because the glutes are some VERY strong muscles. Every thing else is great instuction. Thank you.

By: Tony Rader

Tony Rader — Mon, 08 May 2017 06:33:29 +0000

Nice refresher from boxing 101, on all the body mechanic basics...excellent for those that have a understanding...

By: Vic vapor

Vic vapor — Mon, 08 May 2017 03:12:23 +0000

good description of punching and fist arm form. Eyes, necks, and shins are 3 targets I advocate for.

By: Michael Kariesch

Michael Kariesch — Mon, 08 May 2017 02:20:43 +0000

very informative