Kung Fu: basic fist and punch training
Dedicated training can make the front fist, which comprises the first two knuckles, a powerful striking weapon. Ready-made weapons can be purchased from stores, but only long, disciplined effort will turn your front fists into effective pointed weapons for striking. Although fists are frequently used in combat, many are unaware of safe fist formation methods or how to make a front fist safe for striking, fighting, and training.
making a fist
First of all, the fingers must be compacted firmly so that, when folded, they form a solid mass. He holds out his hand, fingers perfectly straight, and me. bend your first couple of knuckles tight, ii. do the same with your second game, and iii. lock them in place with your thumb (wrap them around your first two fingers tightly). Your clenched fist should now form a compact block.
When punching or striking with the front fist, do not bend your wrist, keep it stiff and straight, otherwise it may be injured by hitting hard objects.
Horse punches and forward stances
In a Kung Fu Horse Stance (Ma Bu) or Bow Stance (Deng Shan Bu) extend your Left hand forward, knuckles up, while your Right hand (knuckles down) rests, fist clenched in your hip (1). The latter is the fist you will hit first with. Pull your left fist back hard and punch forward with your right simultaneously. Your right arm grazes your ribs as it extends, just before it reaches full extension, turn your forearm and wrist in sharply, dropping your fist slightly (increasing penetrating power at impact). Rotate your left forearm and wrist inward in a similar fashion, just before they reach your hip. Now repeat the exercise with the other arm.
points to remember
Keep your back straight, shoulders slumped, and chin at 45 degrees at all times. Tense your hips as you punch and remember, stronger kicks with the left arm mean more powerful punches with the right hand and vice versa. Practice 20 Repetition Sets in both postures (2)
Punching and breath control
Link your striking and breathing rhythms together. Inhale before you punch, and exhale loudly and audibly as you punch. This last action tightens the abdominal muscles, increasing their resistance to counterpunches and the coordination of mind, breath and body greatly increases the resistance and “focus” of the blows.
Ratings
(1) Both are basic verses of Shaolin ‘Longfist’ (Changchuan) Kung Fu.
(2) From a forward ‘Bow’ position with the right leg, your first punch is a lunge punch and the second a back punch. Practice punching in both the left leg and right leg forward versions and also in a horse stance.