Kung Fu: Basic Fist and Punch Training

Dedicated training can make the first fist, comprising the first two knuckles, a powerful weapon to hit. Pre-made weapons can be purchased in stores, but only a disciplined and prolonged effort will turn your front fists into weapons with effective points of attack. Although fists are frequently used in combat, many are unaware of the safe methods of forming fists or making a first fist safe for striking, fighting, and training.

Making the fist

First of all, the fingers must be firmly compacted so that, when folded, they form a solid mass. Extend your hand, fingers perfectly straight and me. bend your first pair of tight knuckles, ii. do the same with your second game, and iii. lock them in place with your thumb (wrap them tightly with the first two fingers). Your closed fist should now form a compact block.

When striking or punching with the front fist, do not bend your wrist, keep it stiff and straight, otherwise you may be injured by hitting hard objects.

Punching the horse and forward stances

In a Kung Fu horse stance (Ma Bu) or a bow stance (Deng Shan Bu) extend your left hand forward, knuckles up, while your right hand (knuckles down) rests, fist closed at the hip (1). The latter is the fist you will hit first. Retract your left fist forcefully and strike forward with your right simultaneously. Your right arm brushes your ribs as you extend, just before you reach full extension, rotate your forearm and wrist inward sharply, dropping your fist slightly (increasing penetrating power on impact). Rotate your left forearm and wrist in a similar fashion, just before they hit your hips. 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 strike and remember, stronger left arm pulls mean more powerful strokes with the right hand and vice versa. Practice 20 sets of repetitions in both poses (2)

Punching and breath control

Link your punch and breath rhythms. Inhale before striking and exhale loudly and audibly when striking. This last action tightens the abdominal muscles, increasing their resistance to kickbacks, and the coordination of mind, breath and body greatly increases your endurance and the “focus” of your punches.

Notes

(1) These are the two basic postures of Shaolin ‘Longfist’ (Changchuan) Kung Fu.

(2) From a ‘bow’ position with the right leg forward, your first strike is a lunge strike and the second is a reverse strike. Practice punches in the front left and right leg versions of this and also in a horse stance.