How to Palm Heel Strike Without Breaking Your Wrist!

Learning how to palm heel strike is usually a safe lesson... but some people hurt their wrist anyway. Here's a quick tip to make sure your palm heel strike is powerful, effective, and safe!
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►For more info on protecting your hand in a fight, check out, How to Punch in a Street Fight. • How to Punch with a Ba...
Now, on to the tip...
I once saw a woman break her wrist using a palm heel strike. Crazy, right? I mean, isn't the palm heel strike supposed to be the safe alternative to using your fist?
In general, yes. But you still have to do it right! Doing it right means two things:
#1: Hit with the BOTTOM of your hand. Not the middle of your palm and not your fingers. Use the bones at the bottom.
#2: Make sure that your body is lined up properly behind your hand. This is where things get tricky.
When most people hit a heavy bag or pads, they square up in front and try to hit the center-line with a FLAT palm heel strike. That's a problem. Here's why...
If you lift your arms up to your center-line, you'll notice that you form a triangle, not a square. Your palms point across on angles, not straight to the front.
That means if you want to palm heel strike on the center-line, like hitting the nose or point of the chin, you actually have to twist your wrist! That’s not a natural position.
You'll see the same problem with some styles of traditional Karate or Kung Fu. Some schools might warm up throwing punches on the center-line from a squared off stance. Again, your knuckles do not naturally face the front. To hit flush with the knuckles, you have to twist your wrist.
Don't do that! If you twist your wrist, you're going to break your wrist.
So, how can you use the palm heel safely when attacking on the center-line? I’ve got two answers for you.
#1: Don't be obsessed with hitting the nose straight on or hitting straight under the chin. Just let your hand hit on its natural angle. If that means hitting the cheekbone, the eye, or the side of the jaw, so be it.
When you’re practicing the palm heel strike on a punching bag, instead of twisting your wrist, let your hand fit the contour of the bag. Let your hand fit the target naturally.
#2: If you absolutely must hit the nose or chin straight on, I suggest you take your body off-line. Instead of squaring up, step to the side so you shoulder is behind your hand. Proper alignment should feel like you're doing a push up.
Don’t forget-- if you twist your wrist, you’re going to break your wrist. But there’s a bigger lesson here, too...
There's really no such thing as a safe fighting technique! Every move you learn in the martial arts, every move you practice for self-defense, has the potential to hurt YOU, not just the bad guy. So, listen to your body and train smart.
THANKS FOR WATCHING! For more tips on martial arts training, self-defense, and living a happy life, check out these links...
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Keep fighting for a happy life! :)
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WARNING: The advice and movements shown in this video are for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before engaging in any exercise or martial arts program.

[@michaelw7867]

"Any technique you do has the potential to hurt you, not just the bad guy." How true! Cool insight, thanks!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Hate to learn that the hard way, but yes, sir! Thanks for the comment!

[@michaelw7867]

Ando Mierzwa Yes, I injured myself once hitting a heavy bag incorrectly. And I met a guy once who broke his hand punching an attacker in the skull. Fortunately, he also knocked the attacker out, so was able to make his getaway. With medical care his hand healed completely, so he survived successfully.

[@patrickrichardson1440]

Michael W i thought if you hit the nose directly you could kill a person with a higher percent chance than hitting somewhere else

[@sourish2515]

"every action has an opposite reaction"

[@michaelw7867]

@@patrickrichardson1440 Here's a good quick explanation of that question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpqop52kqbZ1q80

[@nickcampbell8277]

So we're gonna ignore the fact he said Squarebob Spongepants

[@AndoMierzwa]

Just trying to find out who the fans are. :)

[@Msosbog]

...and avoid any legal problems. Bikini Bottom has some real sharks for lawyers...

[@j5jackson878]

yoo undying right now lmfao

[@ashkelly1565]

Frfr

[@thisaccountisdead9060]

I think the wierdest strike I've ever had on me was from a chinese guy I was sharing a flat with. He said "hold out your forearm" - that was my first stupid mistake (honestly he could've broken my arm). And he just, without any effort, with a completely relaxed arm, and from only a short distance away as well really, just dropped his forearm onto mine - the pain drained the color from my face. He said "This is what we learn in Kung Fu - to just use gravity". I thought "Well, no shit."

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! Then you grabbed a bat and said, "Stick out your head." Thanks for sharing! :)

[@thisaccountisdead9060]

Oh I did worse than that - I gave him a sample of my english cooking! xD (glad it wasn't my turn to clean the can...)

[@AndoMierzwa]

HA!! :D

[@jbslittleshop2897]

Well versed at arm banging. The Chinese arts are great at this. Our blocks are like a strike!!! When we block it's designed to hurt like a blow to your appendage!!!

[@zibtihaj3213]

How exactly did he do it ?

[@aeromaton]

Great video! I use palm strikes because I have arthritis in my hand and knuckles. Getting old sucks but it beats the alternative.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! Yes, I'll take old over dead any day! :)

[@martialartsscience560]

Thank you, this year I have been working on modifying my street or self-defense whichever one you call it 2 using the Palm strikes for my jab cross hook uppercut..... I didn't know that point that you brought up about angling... You probably kept me from breaking my wrist because I didn't think about that one LOL

[@freemanchrisx]

I'm watching at least one of your videos a day for the last few days, I really appreciate your presentation and attitude. I'm an older fellow myself, and can really relate to practice in a manner that minimizes any chance of injury, thanks for these, I'm going to try to keep watching, I really enjoy your channel!

[@AndoMierzwa]

I’m honored, sir! Thanks for saying hello!

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

Wow, this is one of the most important self-defense/martial arts videos I've seen in a great while. All martial artists should watch this vid.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate that. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@elektras6325]

Just broke mine on breaking a double board today. Something tells me I should’ve watched this first😬 - white belt student

[@AndoMierzwa]

Sorry for your pain, Elektra! Let it heal and you'll be back and better than ever!

[@dr.j6747]

I believe the chin jab (palm heel strike) was William Fairbairn's favorite strike, and it is definitely one of mine. Thx for the "fine tuning".

[@AndoMierzwa]

It’s a classic for a reason… it works!

[@dropweightdaddy]

Great tip Ando. I really enjoy your simple and effective tips. Thank you.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Always grateful for your feedback, sir! Happy hitting!

[@jonathanbrandon2409]

More awesome instruction. I wish I could afford classes, but these videos are just great. Thanks Ando, please keep posting.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Just practice what you can, when you can, sir. Thank you for the comment!

[@Meymeygwis]

Always valuable, good spirited and wise with Sensei Ando!

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate that. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@MrFacundo7]

Another very useful video Sensei Ando. One of the best youtube channels💪👍✌

[@AndoMierzwa]

Deeply honored, my friend. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@handpan-relaxingmeditation3316]

brilliant! - The video I was searching for.

[@mick62mick]

I love your informative videos. All done in a pleasant manner.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Much appreciated! 🙏🏻

[@david69funk]

Great information. Highly important to minimise damage to yourself whenever possible. 🙏

[@AndoMierzwa]

Absolutely! Thanks for the comment!

[@brennanschweitzer840]

Sensei Ando, I am now a fan! Excellent advice, and moreover your focus on conflict avoidance. But push can come to shove. Your guidance grants survival to the common person.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Avoidance is always number one if you can. Thanks for the comment, sir!

[@myst1cd4g0n]

Thank you sir another great video!

[@FreestyleTaeKwonDoFederation]

great stuff Ando. Such a simple strike yet you covered a lot of important details.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Much appreciated, sir! As you know, it's the little things that make the biggest difference! :)

[@AaazzzPapageorgantis]

another great video.Thank you sir

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching, my friend!

[@JAM1717JAM]

This is the most helpful palm strike tip ever! simple & clear! thank u sir!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Very welcome! Thank you for the comment!

[@altairnilo]

Thanks Sensei Ando. Center the palm, base the palm, without twist, that´s I pratice against targets to take experience and adjust technics. Like others kinds of attacks, from hands to feet. Much better seeing this videos and learning ever more. Health and peace for you and students.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Health and peace to you, too, my friend!

[@Mbq-sh6bj]

Great video. Who would've thought there'd be so much to consider when doing the "old reliable" palm strike! But more than that, great attitude you bring to each video (except when you played a bad guy in Shane Faizen's video). I learned (too late in life) that the happier a person is, the less he will feel a need to fight. It's not just about being confident from being strong & well-equipped with various techniques but being HAPPY. Hence my admiration for the name you wear, "Happy Life Martial Arts". Good job, Sensei Ando.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much! You nailed it. I think success as a human being and martial artist is demonstrated through kindness, not cruelty. Even when you fight, you fight for what you love, not against what you hate. So, keep smiling! :)

[@sankalpabanerjee6218]

Great video Sensei, good to know I was doing this right. Square Bob Spongepants doesn't stand half a chance now!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! Good... don't let Bob push you around! :)

[@billalzerouali2528]

@@AndoMierzwa yeah bob erased a uni

[@matkasim]

Perfect explanation. Thanks sensei

[@AndoMierzwa]

My pleasure! Thanks!

[@onpsxmember]

Good points! I came here after looking into Bas Rutten's bone strikes. He broke one of his hands after an opponent closed in mid punch. Your points make a fine addition.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the comment! 🙏🏻

[@JesusisJesus]

Thank you, I was taught this as a kid, but when I’ve needed to use it, I have always either forgotten about it or done it wrong.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I need to remind myself of things all the time!

[@bighutch511]

Fantastic video.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate that! Thank you, sir!

[@user-fw9ni1ps8h]

awesome video as always

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@BaselessTheoryLive]

Thank you, thank you for this!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Of course! Happy training!

[@RamunasLabonas]

Nice lesson. Nice new logo!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks! And thanks! :)

[@hellhills3332]

one more way is to twist you body when you punch, boxing basics, although this only applies for long distance punching

[@AndoMierzwa]

Good point. Extending and pivoting will also put your shoulder in line. Thank you!

[@thomasputa2434]

But it still won't align your wrist to the surface angle, right?

[@AndoMierzwa]

Depends on which part of the face you're hitting!

[@ShawnJonesHellion]

Actually i change positions to add power to very very short strikes

[@Tigrebleau1]

Using a good boxing strike delivery - engaging your shoulders, hips and strong-side leg - not only delivers the palm strike at the correct angle, it also adds a lot of power and "winds up" your torso for a follow up strike with the other hand. Ando should have mentioned snapping the fingers back at the point of impact to stiffen the heel of the hand to deliver more force and get the palm and fingers out of the way. Else, the palm [heel] strike is just a push instead of a real strike. Try it yourself to see the difference between just thrusting the palm heel forward to contact the target and snapping the fingers back at contact.

[@Hero-ut7vx]

Thank you for the informative video!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@FrancisMaxino]

If you pull your rear shoulder back and apply the palm heel strike similar to a straight lead jab in boxing, the problems of trying to hit centre with the twisted wrist is no longer an issue because you are starting in a more natural slightly side on ready stance rather than square on and the skeletal extension is in a stronger, more effective alignment. Another thing is to remember to pull the top of your hand back (finger tip end) as far back as you can when striking the heavy bag to help ensure that you are striking with the base of the palm.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the tips, Francis!

[@juliodefreitas157]

Awesome video and thanks for sharing 👍

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for being here, sir!

[@jeffreyolson2139]

Great advice!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@crustybunny2475]

Palm strike tip was great. Will keep it in mind when we do pad and bag drills.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome! Happy training!👍🏼

[@Bansheexero]

Yeah, a friend showed me the concept similarly. You square off and stand at a distance so that the fist is a few inches in front of the face. Then, take one step to the side and try the same thing, the fist should have more than enough reach to hit the face. Arms form arcs with reach and their apogee is when the shoulder lines up, not the torso.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for the follow up!

[@abdulmutalibshuaibu7182]

You are the best teacher (martial arts)

[@AndoMierzwa]

You, sir, are awesome for saying that. Thank you!

[@fareedkhan4601]

U r really good n logical person, salute u sir

[@AndoMierzwa]

Salute to you as well, sir!

[@timlinator]

Great video. We teach the palm heel strike in our Karate class and it can be found in many Kata's.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Excellent!

[@LeedForFree]

Great Video :) keep going on thx for all of your Contend

[@AndoMierzwa]

My pleasure. Thanks for the comment!

[@freddiebobbin9616]

Very good video, keep it up!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for your support, my friend!

[@nathanbradley5928]

Nice video but did you say square Bob sponge pants

[@AndoMierzwa]

I did. I’m old. :)

[@PauldeSilvaG]

Good Video. I learned something. More please.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Glad to hear that! More coming! :)

[@eric18993]

Thanks for putting subtitle, I can understand whole video.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I'm glad someone is reading those things! :) Thanks for letting me know.

[@Msosbog]

Wait...reading what? 😄

[@VTPSTTU]

Thanks! This was interesting.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate that. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@pm2050]

Smart advice!! Very good at describing the misconceptions of following the Centerline! And yes the SpongeBob reference was funny!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for the comment, my friend!

[@soumyaraj4042]

absolutely right sensei! hitting the centre while twisting the palm means breaking it..i agree..thanks for your helpful tips :)

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for your vote, sir!

[@annoyed707]

If your hand/fist is in that position, instead of twisting your wrist to make a dangerous palm strike just fire a hammer fist, knife hand or back knuckle into the face.

[@Warden-NiNJeN]

You're a great teacher, thank you! :D

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the kind words, Ninjen! 🙏🏻

[@Warden-NiNJeN]

@@AndoMierzwa I appreciate people like you so much, wish you guys would get popular easily! 💙

[@AndoMierzwa]

@@Warden-NiNJeN I appreciate you, too! 🙏🏻

[@Warden-NiNJeN]

@@AndoMierzwa 🙏✨

[@steveholland6982]

Good advice

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you, sir!

[@maxbauer839]

Great video once again! Thanks! Would you like to do something like this on the elbow strike?

[@AndoMierzwa]

I guess it's going to come up eventually!

[@mikelegare4502]

Good stuff. Thank you

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for watching, Mike!

[@statykk3]

Good video you just earned a subscriber!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks very much! Welcome!

[@uknowitsmartialarts8255]

How another great video thanks 👍😁

[@AndoMierzwa]

You're very welcome!

[@ricardoortiz9371]

Muchas gracias! 😊

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@victorc.9072]

great video sensei, now that i see the video i realized that this also applies to hammer fists when I throw them straight down the center line they feel awkward and have no power but when i do it at a little angle suddenly i can put all my weight behind them i aim for the bridge of the nose or the side of the chin.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Exactly! Good thought, Victor. Happy hitting!

[@davidwayne9982]

This is one of my FAVORITE techniques--- it is VERY effective, safer (if done correctly)..and if filmed by someone LOOKS more like you were being defensive and pushing the attacker away!!!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Agreed!

[@elvingarcia3869]

I like you ways of explain things ,wish i was near your academy-dojo i would be a student

[@AndoMierzwa]

Very kind of you to say, sir!

[@sirrivet9557]

I bruised my wrist badly just inccorectly palm striking a foam target. I can only imagine what a hard skull would do

[@Msosbog]

Exactly. Striking and blocking are similar in that you're still taking a beating. Conditioning helps a lot, but don't be in a rush; start slow and light, build up muscle memory while you slowly introduce speed and power over time. Expect some pain and possible (hopefully not!) injury, but always allow for healing. Stay safe, some people's heads are like bricks 😁

[@ShinobiKun55]

Another insightful video. Ando, any tips for dodging effectively or how to better use feints/dealing with them?

[@AndoMierzwa]

That's a big question with lots of answers. But real quick, feint less, attack more! :)

[@Mharriscreations]

One of the easiest ways to get better at dodging is to spar. You can start slow just to get you accustomed to the actions, but you'll need to pick up the speed. A great drill for this is what some call "slap boxing" just try and land slaps on your partner. It helps a lot. Of course there are tons of other ways to learn to dodge, but this is an easy and effective helper.

[@lildope7227]

Best video ever

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@vamlov8235]

Good, man!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@HighSpeedHamilton]

-"Squarebob Spongepants"- XD

[@AndoMierzwa]

I still can’t get it right! 😁

[@r.a.m.4287]

Great vid

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@macabrother75]

Pure wisdom! Any hand strike starts from the base of the feet through hips to generate proper torque on impact. If the body is aligned naturally, the strike will feel natural.

[@mandeesman7889]

nice video I've never thought of it like that

[@jorgeloya6420]

Simple techniques but very effective

[@AndoMierzwa]

Simpler is usually better! :)

[@Docinaplane]

Very good basic tutorial! As well as what you showed, I use the PHS swinging the hand from the sides also, to the ears or ribs, for example. Here's one for you: Could you do a tutorial on the head butt. How to do it AND how to train for it (without giving yourself a concussion :-) I just can't see using a makiwara for head butt training, lol

[@AndoMierzwa]

I actually just made a video on using the head over on Stephan Kesting's self-defense channel. Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGjJY4mQl5uAfLs

[@WoodApe100]

Straight up the middle I'd go with a closed fist 1-2 combo....or maybe extend fingers at eyes depending. But I do like a palm heel under the ear or a palm heel into the liver...Bas Rutten instantly dropped many big men with a palm heel to the liver and it's wide open target on a lot of big guys.

[@amithmathew1760]

This guy is the best teacher

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate that. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@muhammadaijaz2487]

nice sir

[@robsondoriva]

Amazing video. Now I’m your fun. Thanks

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🏻

[@EricHumphries83]

Awesome!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much, sir!

[@sharpjoe6199]

thanks sir for this video, Also training your wrist to be stronger.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Training always helps! Thanks for watching, sir!

[@poisonouspagan1690]

Very true. Thanks

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you , George!

[@noorahmad8525]

And here I thought the goal was to hit the the nose as hard as possible thanks for clearing my misconception brother keep up the good work

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate that. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@mikevieira6041]

I punched the right way, and have broking my fist not my wrist. Nobody tells you that there is a lot of pressure on your wrists in fight, but I have certainly felt it afterwards.

[@dragonofthewest8305]

Thank you

[@AndoMierzwa]

My pleasure!

[@budekins542]

Thumbs up for putting safety first.

[@AndoMierzwa]

The older you get, the more you regret bad habits! :)

[@jackpostjiujitsu]

thanks, Im getting into a fight after the class Im in right nnow so I'm binge watching your videos while in class

[@AndoMierzwa]

Hope you’re OK!

[@jackpostjiujitsu]

@@AndoMierzwa thanks, I won

[@ColonelBanana]

Scrolling through KZbin and found some goodies.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you, Colonel!👍🏼

[@nerdothn892]

good Video

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@miscsilliness]

Could you do a video on some techniques of a larger, stronger person grabs you from the front with 2 hands then one as he frees up to strike you? Excellent instruction BtW Subscribed and hit the "notify" bell.

[@AndoMierzwa]

That's a big issue. I was thinking about putting a whole course together on that one! Thanks for tipping the scales!

[@waheedmaqsoodi2837]

How do you look so fresh in every single video?? You are really awesome sensei :D

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! Thank you. My secret is... soap! :)

[@Msosbog]

Ladies and gentlemen, I think that one is going to leave the stadium on it's way to the parking lot...

[@diosdadoapias]

You are correct sir that when you punch on the center line your fist will not impact on the fore and middle finger but on the middle, ring and pinky knuckles- the natural position of the fist when punched toward the center. To land the fore and middle knuckles, you adjust the position of the fist a little twitching outward so that the fore and middle knuckles will position to hit the center. The Okinawan had a way to correct this by moving their body off-center on the side of the arm that will punch so they straight punch without adjusting the position of the fist. In palm strike as i practice it, the natural position of the palm when stretch out is not flat but a little twisted where in the outer edge of the palm will be the one to initially touch the object of a pal-push; the palm is like making a chop with its edge. when the outer edge of palm make contact the palm will the twist so that the flat of the palm will fully contact with the lower part near the wrist that will brunt the weight of the push or strike.

[@AndoMierzwa]

That all sounds right! Glad you pay attention to the details, sir!

[@Shugenjya]

I know, why i subscribed to you! :)

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for subbing! Welcome!

[@minnesotakungfucom]

interesting video never seen anyone break their wrist with a palm heel but I can see how it could happen, (I once met someone who had a broken middle metacarpal from doing a hammer fist which at the time surprised me) my preference on palm heel is to usually use a horizontal instead of vertical one so the hand is going in the shape of the bag but that's not to target a middle target, it's more for side targets like jaw, temple, ribs and I'm pivoting to a flanking position while doing it

[@its_jinn786]

Thanks nice video

[@AndoMierzwa]

You're very welcome!

[@its_jinn786]

Ando Mierzwa 😊

[@MrBaxterrify]

Listen to your body and train smart-I like that!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Simple, really! Or is it? :)

[@jbslittleshop2897]

Just watched your video. I see your thoughts are correct as usual. But,,, I have learned over my years of hung gar training. If you step and hit with opposite hand and foot the center line is a lot easier to hit. When you step with your left and hit with your right it will usually hit the center line. I may be wrong but give it a try and see what you think. 😀

[@AndoMierzwa]

Sure! The step to the side moves your shoulder to the center line. As long as everything lines up, you're good to go! Go Hung Gar! :)

[@jbslittleshop2897]

Ando Mierzwa I really wasn't speaking of side stepping. I was speaking of stepping straight forward and driving through the opponent. I do enjoy you videos!! A lot of good information. Keep them coming!!😀

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ah! Sorry for the misunderstanding. Thanks for the comments!

[@yousuf-dy5xb]

Thankyou sir. give more videos Good martial arts Where is your place

[@AndoMierzwa]

I'm working as fast as I can! L.A. currently...

[@shinyong9978]

Thank you shifu

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@mjt11860]

GREAT ADVICE! also, shouldn't u let ur fingers naturally curl down so that u don't sprain or HYPER-EXTEND ur wrist fungers, in case ur fingers catch ur opponents block? i've always been curious about that.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I try not to add tension into my hand, so find that sweet spot to make sure your fingers are safe but not slowing you down.

[@Theron-ff7cr]

5th!.....Also good video, Ando.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Much appreciated! Thanks!

[@chickenoncsgo]

What's the least painful but best to dis arm someone? (Like school bullying and getting them out your face.) My technique. Pulling one arm back while using my other arm to put head down. Trying not to hurt as much and threatening.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Like a head snap? Great move!

[@martasolti7846]

When you jab, your shoulder behind that fist will move towards the centre, making your fist face square on to the target. So even though we practise as you said square on it is just to ensure that you're aiming at the target. Whoever would punch standing square on in a fight? Any kind of fight? Your body would move naturally. Mine does anyway... With a reverse punch you would step anyway, that is basic drill. I have done three different karate styles so far and this is true for all of them. Apart from that detail, good idea to draw attention to the fist position.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Sounds good, Marta! As long as you rotate enough to get your shoulder behind your hand, that's a solid technique. But rotating too far can expose the back, so it's always a balancing act between full power and extension and protection. Thanks for the comment!

[@martasolti7846]

:) Yes it is. Stance is most important. Actually, I'm practising a move to convert a jab into a reverse punch at present, to maximise protection. Instead of stepping straight ahead and jab I change direction halfway, stepping at an angle, rotating so the jab arrives as a reverse punch. In this way I can use the now front hand for protection. Works as a counter too. Well, when I get it down properly:)

[@Sujiceel]

Sensei Ando, can you do a video about the dialogue you said on 2:16 ? What is then the purpose of those kind of striking exercises/warmup?

[@AndoMierzwa]

Interesting idea! Thank you!

[@AndoMierzwa]

I will suggest that those aren’t really punches. 🤔

[@engchoontan8483]

Angles to ponder upon If the center is a limiter for yourself to punch into the other side of the ribs, right hand into opponent's left side edge of right half of his ribs... If the half clenched palm strike fingers are to be as guides and slides to the palm heel. If the jaw can be broken or dislocated by learning physiology and hinges Waist height is knee bending and foot placing and ... no use torso to control height of strike

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for the thoughts!

[@Alex_Anderson909]

can you uplaod a video about the perfect way of knuckle conditioning? is punching walls good for knuckle strengthening? please kindly make a video on that

[@AndoMierzwa]

I will add that to my list! Although I can tell you right now that I’m not big on hardening the knuckles. Alignment, yes!

[@Alex_Anderson909]

Ando Mierzwa thnx very much fr giving your opinion. But will punching wall damage my knuckles in the future?

[@mansuralias274]

Cool!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks!

[@hungry2hear]

To your point about "straight on counter" . The body is best protected when the joints are 'allowed' to move in their created context, meaning it works best in natural motion or in stable stance. SO when as you said strike at an angle but "fitting the fight" you are more apt to dissect or damage an opponents joints moving in counter to their natural flow and function. As in straight on facing but allowing your strike to move in fluid motion, you will naturally malign the normal movement of the opponents joint which is its normal defense.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Appreciate the analysis! Thank you!