How To Punch: Two and Three Knuckle Punching

[@SoldierDrew]

I wish I had been taught this years ago before ruining my hand. I started out in boxing and karate as a child practicing twisting punches. Even with hojo undo conditioning I still broke my hand multiple times. Now I practice only open hand strikes & elbows to face and knuckles to torso. I teach & train but my right hand grip is permanently damaged, so from experience I can verify the truth of this video instruction. Only I learned the 'Hard Way'!

[@BareFisted]

The horizontal position is the weakest punch to throw to the head, it's structure is very weak and will cause the fist to buckle due to heavy impact. Below the clavicals the horizontal punch works well along with the diagonal or vertical fist.

[@BareFisted]

Hey HighhorseLittle, first I'd like to thank you for your service to our country. Now if you learn which fist position to strike from and at what angles to throw them, you can keep your fists from injury. I've been punching barefisted for over 35 years and have never broken or injured my hands, could it happen, of course it can but an understanding of how to make a fist and how to hit with it goes along way in keeping them injury free. Check out my other videos, they'll explain more in depth.

[@BareFisted]

It does if you punch bareknuckle, what I show is the bareknuckle way to punch. What you discribed was the corkscrew punch. By the way this is the way Ex Heavy Weight Champ Jack Dempsey punched and he also wrote a book teaching this way.

[@Kevintu28]

read jack dempsey's championship fighting

[@BareFisted]

Hey James, good question, the reason you strike with a Diagonal or Vertical Three Knuckle Landing is because it is structurally stronger than a Horizontal Punch to the head. But below the clavicle you can strike any way you like, just learn to strike with a diagonal or vertical fist to the head and any other way you like to the body and you'll be fine. Hope this clears up the confusion, if not let me know. Take care Daniel~ P.S. Check out my other videos I go into more details on this subject.

[@BareFisted]

I think that striking with the pinky side is more safer than striking with the thumb side of the fist, in the heat of fighting, striking with the thumb side can get your thumb broken or at the very least sprained. But if you're going to strike with the thumb side be sure to bring the thumb across the second finger to protect the thumb knuckle.

[@BareFisted]

I believe the best way for you to start is barefisted, this way you'll learn which knuckles to strike with and at what angle you should have your fists when striking. Once you learn these things, you can put the gloves on and start boxing, sparring, hitting the heavy bag etc...I have other videos you can watch which explain the difference between gloves or barefists. Also the three knuckle landing is the way most knock out fighters strike with. Try both ways and see which feels good to you.

[@rbt4rbt]

Excellent video! It's something I do, but you explain it well. I gave up on anything with open hand too because the fingers can get sprained too easily. Hitting a bag or dummy is OK for open hand but in a fight the other person is striking and moving and there are too many ways to get your fingers screwed up. Vertical and near vertical fists also allow your fists to slide in between their guard hands easier because your fist is more narrow. Keep your fist tight through the punch. Thanks!

[@boxerfencer]

As for turning it over, it depends on range. You're not going to rotate a short jab or cross, b/c you'd open your rib cage up. It's just basic (& involuntary) body mechanics with full length strikes (and does not belong to any one person such as Dempsey). Look at kicking specialists, they "turn over" the hips.

[@BareFisted]

Well in my 38 years of experience I've never broken my hands either doing it the way I teach it, so I guess I'll do it my way and you'll do it yours.

[@BTNHFlesh]

Ive got cartilage tears in both wrists from punching for years with the two knuckle horizontal way . Im fuking that off and going three knuckle its more solid and safer for the whole hand and especially the wrist

[@barefisted5334]

Sorry to hear about your injuries, make sure when you start punching with the three knuckle landing that you keep your fists at a diagonal angle. The diagonal position is the strongest angle to strike with for your fists.

[@IAm010110]

I broke my right clavicle years ago when I was young and dumb and open throttled my crotch rockets. It healed crooked but I can use it just fine. I developed a sick overhand right hook that naturally hits behind the ear with those 3 knuckles. Comes out quick like a jab because my clavicle just moves out of the way. :-) I enjoy your instruction. Thank you!!

[@IAm010110]

Oh!!! And in respect to the biomechanics and anatomy of the hand, that makes PERFECT SENSE when punching above and below the shoulder. Knuckle placement before donning gloves. Got it!!

[@BareFisted]

You're very welcome!

[@BareFisted]

Hey Daniel another thing you can do is keep your fist at a diagonal position like how you would hold a pen or pencil when writing. Also learn to roll your hand into a fist, and of course use the three knuckle landing when punching.

[@BareFisted]

You would need to get use to striking with the two knuckle vertical punch at chin level with solid force and intensity. I have never seen anyone strike that way in a street fight, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Have a training partner put on headgear that protects the chin area and try striking him on the chin as he attacks you to see if you can hit him with the vertical two knuckle punch. Take care Daniel~

[@BareFisted]

Glad you were able to fix your fist from buckling. The two exercises you used are excellent for strengthening your arm and fist, One thing I teach my students is that the two bones of the forearm are curved and once they turn the fist horizontally the middle knuckles of the fist will strike first before the back knuckles do. This will cause the fist to buckle and if not it can strain and tear the muscles, tendons or ligaments of the fingers. Take care and thanks for the comment. Daniel~

[@BareFisted]

Hey Niall glad I could be of help to you.

[@BareFisted]

Hit em on the side of the neck with a palm heel, forearm, hammer fist, and of course a fist. Also you can try a palm heel to the forehead.

[@citydrums7525]

Daniel your videos are superb! I was looking around for information on how to make a fist, punch, etc. and your instruction is very detailed and of high quality. What a gift to the martial arts community! I'll be checking out some of your other instructional material to improve my understanding of punching bio-mechanics! Thanks again for all you do!

[@abhiverma9294]

Thanx man. I used to practice with 2 knuckles. I even sprained my wrist 2 ....now I m gonna go 3knuckles

[@TuckerBombBoy78]

this is very good :) Bare fisted your right and when i want to hit somebody horziontal i aim for there neck. like one of your videos its helped me alot

[@BTNHFlesh]

Ok I will do more diagonal punching, Thanks for the advice I appreciate it your vids are great I'm so glad I came across them. I even made a maize bag yesterday and I love punching that thing, this new 3 knuckle way for me I feel like my wrists won't flare up anymore ! Thank you for your help

[@barefisted5334]

You're very welcome, just keep those wrists healthy and injury free.

[@Ikarus_Riding]

BareFisted I've been in a fight with 3 other guys a month ago and I punched them so hard I broke my wrist ( boxer's fracture ) . I didn't think I had broken anything untill 9 days later I noticed my bone was on a different place than where it was supposed to be. So I went to the hospital and well now I don't have any medical device anymore but I feel like my bone isn't the same anymore. Time will tell. Anyways it's a good initiative you teach them how to do it without injuring themselves, it can save a lot of trouble!

[@BareFisted]

Try doing that in a street fight against multiple attakers in a dark alley and see how that works for ya!

[@pineapplenoob]

ohhh muay thai, that explains it. I asked a friend about Muay Thai and he was right with what he said. He said you all reckon your Gods gift in a fight and from the way YOU comment I can see hes right...

[@BareFisted]

I have 8 DVD's full of information not taught by most boxing coaches, as soon as my business partner and I put up our new website I will be selling those DVD's there. I'll let everyone know when the site is up, it will be ready in a few months, stay tuned.

[@GetDamage]

Even with the gloves on, Fedor always used to break his hands throwing the overhand.

[@BareFisted]

Glad I could be of help.

[@BareFisted]

Sorry to hear about your right hand Andrew. Thank you for your comment, hope others learn from your experience.

[@BareFisted]

Yes, it's very effective since it comes at your opponent from a low angle diagonally upward to the side of the jaw line, which will snap your opponent's head for a knock out since he won't see it coming. Remember, it's not the punch that you see but the one you don't that knocks you out!

[@BareFisted]

Your very welcome Stewart.

[@daniel121212121212]

I've been doing martial arts for over two years now, and I have to say, I absolutely hate punching! I just can't seem to make a stable fist when hitting the heavy bag (without gloves), so I really hold back the power. I'm going to try the last three knuckles next time, and I think it will be better for my vertical fist punch.

[@rbt4rbt]

Yesterday I used my robot arm's 3" diameter mitts for my mitt training. They can also punch back at me quick so it trains me to return my punch fast. Because of the small hit area it's easy to not hit dead center because it has to be done so fast. Like you said, the vertical punch gives a much stronger wrist. Things happen and move fast so our punch often won't land as we expect. Horizontal punching is an accident waiting to happen.

[@BareFisted]

The way I throw it is buy turning fist and wrist at a diagonal angle, like how you hold a pen or pencil when you write. I punch with the last 3 knuckles. You can knock someone out with or without gloves on, it's about the same. Punching bareknuckle causes more cuts and abrasions and can be destructive to the bones if your fists are conditioned properly.

[@BareFisted]

Thank you for your comment and insight rbt4rbt, and don't forget to also use the diagonal fist. Take care Daniel~

[@BareFisted]

Very true coach, thank you for your comment.

[@BareFisted]

Thanks Eddy, I use a diagonal fist position for hooks.

[@BareFisted]

Thank you for your comment Mike.

[@descalo]

this is "lost knoledge" coach daniel ! people rely on karate punches when at reality karatekas almost not using high punches at high intensity.

[@ClassicComfort24]

Thank you so much for the help(: I'm taking womans defense in a week for the duration of around 6 weeks, and I've decided to see what else I may be able to learn before hand.(:

[@MyWarriorWithin]

I totally love your video. The thing that I can say is through science (Kinetic enery). Force applied will escape through the least amount of resistance as possible. The hands is made of many bones, but the brunt of force is mainly asorbed through the carple (middle of the hand) bones. I would think striking a hard objects would cause the smaller (weaker) bones to fracture. Personally, I strike hard objects with with "soft" (open hand, palm strikes) instead of hard (closed fists). Input please.

[@BareFisted]

Thanks!

[@BareFisted]

I'll put it on the list!

[@rosskstar]

makes sense - thanks....What if your goal was to knock someone out but not break their jaw or do any highly risky damage? Any suggestions?

[@BareFisted]

Your welcome Tonja, if you have any questions on punching or self defense just let me know. Take care and I'm glad you're taking action to protecting yourself. Daniel~

[@BareFisted]

I try Stewart, thank you.

[@Rhys2D2]

I noticed you only said vertical and diagonal triple knuckle was good. It feels better but why not horizontal triple knuckle?

[@boxerfencer]

I've personaly seen a bare knuckle punch against a punching bag break the supporting bones. In contrast, I spent years training with a speed bag filled with sand (and against the same bag my friend broke his hand) bare knuckled and never suffered a break. And I punch like a western boxer. As for straight punches, you risk jamming your elbow. I'm talking from experience, too.

[@DicKloadaLOVE]

thats funny i came to the same conclusion way back then they being karate and boxing trainers said it dont work ....(i still do it this way though lol)

[@jamesrobertson2725]

Ah, I think I understand now. Thank you for the quick response.

[@ucingacia0]

can you make video how to punch with knuckle for uppercut?

[@ClassicComfort24]

Oh for sure, I'll shoot you some questions if i'm not sure on something. I'll check out your other videos before though(: Will do and thanks so much!

[@BareFisted]

Will do, just give me a few weeks! Thanks!

[@OxnerdKi]

Good advice! Can you do a vid on adjusting the jab/cross for a vertical fist?

[@JoosWulfe]

would an open hand strike be better for striking the head ?

[@BareFisted]

In most cases yes, the higher you go up the head to hit, the harder it is when you strike it.

[@BareFisted]

@bigmuscleify Thanx for the comment.

[@Eddythebandkid]

but if you hit with the pinkie finger knuckle it's more likely to break the metacarpal, rather than using the first two knuckles, where their metacarpals are bigger. and yes the wrist goes wonky if you two knuckle punch a higher target, but you only went over straight punches, with a left hook you can keep your wrist straight even if you opponent is taller. but good video, never thought about the three knuckle punch to the face if the other guy is taller.

[@BareFisted]

You're welcome Tonja.

[@bigmuscleify]

excellent tips.

[@BareFisted]

Works for me, I bet your three knuckle punch is nothing to write home about either.

[@thelittledojo]

Very good.

[@BareFisted]

@rbt4rbt Thank you for your comment and tips! Much appreciated!

[@Asscobra916]

Good stuff.

[@Asscobra916]

100% true. Most trad martial arts do teach this.

[@jamesrobertson2725]

I'm slightly confused. I've been practicing Karate and Muay Thai for around a year now. We've always been told that you hit always with the first two knuckles, that way you avoid a boxers break. From the comments, it sounds like you're telling people to use all the knuckles. Why? I'm just wondering, not trying to bash you.

[@BareFisted]

Hey Ross, go to my youtube channel and watch the video "How to make a fist" and try doing the "Slide" when you make a fist and see if that helps. Also watch the video "6 ways to strengthen your fists for fighting PT 1" and try the "index finger extension" technique. I think one of those two will help your problem. Try them and let me know if they helped. Take care Daniel~

[@Asscobra916]

Well Kung Fu anyway. Not sure about karate. But yeah bone alignment & body mechanics & kinetics are taught in all REAL street oriented systems. In many ways, old school British style bare knuckle Pugilism is very similar to wing chun & other southern Kung fu styles.

[@Shtyce]

I'm starting boxing, should I learn the two knuckle technique or three? My coach told me to use two? Feedback will be very appreciated!

[@BareFisted]

You sound like someone who's never been in a real streetfight against many.

[@pineapplenoob]

so, from the way i write a comment on a youtube video you figured out my fighting style, how many fights i've had throughout my life and you also have figured out the typical type of person that walks around the area I live to come to the conclusion that i can't punch, or defend myself at all for that matter? Am I right in saying this?

[@rbt4rbt]

Oh, believe me, I do. Thanks.

[@BareFisted]

Read it!

[@poland_stronk3044]

Why don\t you make 1 dvd covering ''everything'' from footwork through training to KO ;D Im looking for good dvd but most of them are just about sport boxing. Im sure many others would be intrested too.

[@pineapplenoob]

what about if you did a vertical two knuckle jab to the chin, as it was supposed to be used? Im genuinely asking and not trolling so please allow comment

[@BareFisted]

Sorry to hear that Fenasi but at least now you know so your other fist won't suffer that same fate. Take care and protect those fists! Daniel~

[@rosskstar]

What's your opinion of hitting with the side of the fist? Is one side more risky than the other?

[@1dluep]

makes sense it would keep your elbow in as well I think

[@pineapplenoob]

what martial art or self defense do you actually do?

[@felixpeter780]

Hey, I've seen all your vids- and they are very interessting! But I've a question about the right position if i want to strike with 3 knuckles. The problem is that my pinky is very small thus my fist has a bad structure ( the pinky knuckle is lower than the rest and I think that i'll probably broke him if I strike hard). Is it no problem or what u would say? Thanks!!

[@boxerfencer]

The boxer style punch does NOT suffer from the problems you suggest. To the contrary, the Wing Chun punch suffers from hand bones breaking, because it uses the smaller knuckles and supporting bones. What happens with a properly executed western boxer punch is that it turns over from the shoulder, thereby eliminating the weakness you point out. Very basic mechanics, but deceptively simple --sometihng missing entirely from (oriental) martial arts.

[@rosskstar]

palm to the forehead...that'd jossle the noggin! ha......thanks man

[@pineapplenoob]

and you figured that one out, how?

[@BareFisted]

Yes!!! That way you'll be hitting with all 4 back knuckles of the fist.

[@BareFisted]

You're welcome! =0)

[@PikUpYourPantsPatrol]

I hit with 2 knuckles, not flimsy at all, 3rd knuckle is weak and apt to break

[@BareFisted]

Then by all means keep striking that way. True the third knuckle is a weaker knuckle, that's why you use three knuckles to strike with. By the way the first knuckle can also break if hit wrong just like the pinkie knuckle.

[@PikUpYourPantsPatrol]

BareFisted Middle knuckle seems to take the blunt of the blow, it's sharper and whatnot

[@pineapplenoob]

i was planning on...either that or using my ju-jitsu to kick the crap out of them

[@pineapplenoob]

two knuckle strike is putting the same amount of power but over less surface area giving it a stabbing style motion, if you just punch someone its like stabbing them with the head of a hammer, two knuckle strike is better

[@BareFisted]

By the way you comment.

[@YY-ug9mv]

its good video but i watched it late i broke my ring knuckle 1 year before

[@BareFisted]

Those type of tactics I only teach here at the gym to people I know. Sorry.

[@pineapplenoob]

your not two knuckle striking right either, your showing one method, theres four andn your doing that one method wrong

[@gekiryudojo]

the three knuckle punch is crap I have seen two people break their hands in street fights using that stay with the two knuckle punch

[@BareFisted]

And I've known some who have broken or injured their fist using a two knuckle strike. So the lesson is you do it your way and I'll do it mine, either way can break your hand if you do it wrong.

[@seiryumidnite9566]

omg hhmmm some ppl are gona believing you and your just gona hurt them. im done=/

[@barefisted5334]

I've been punching this way for over 45 years and have never had any problems with my fists. The two knuckle Asian way is not the only way to punch, the Western three knuckle landing works great. By the way it's not just which knuckles you strike with that's important but also at what angle your fist is thrown.

[@boxerfencer]

The boxer style punch does NOT suffer from the problems you suggest. To the contrary, the Wing Chun punch suffers from hand bones breaking, because it uses the smaller knuckles and supporting bones. What happens with a properly executed western boxer punch is that it turns over from the shoulder, thereby eliminating the weakness you point out. Very basic mechanics, but deceptively simple --sometihng missing entirely from (oriental) martial arts.