Introduction to Tai chi: Episode 17, The Fist

[@silang8381]

During my first full-time job, I worked with a guy who carried a taped up roll of 2p pieces in his pocket, which he had prepared to sit inside his fist if he got into a scrap. He had learned about the cotton fist through boxing. Years later, I saw lots of bare knuckle casualties with broken hands, broken fingers, or with their opponent's teeth embedded in the knuckle. Palm strikes > bare knuckle punches from the evidence that I have seen.

[@hanumananky]

i was thinking about this in my training the other day, i find that i can punch much harder when i let my hand relax and my fingers hang down with my thumb at their side, rather than balling or clenching with my thumb wrapped around. when i punch with a fist, i tend to hurt myself more. however when i punch as if im stabbing with my knuckles while the rest of my hand is just kinda there, i can hit much harder

[@MERVILLE3]

If you look at 2.00, you'll see the radial line is to the middle knuckle and the index knuckle has no structural support

[@ttcostadc]

I have heard it said that you should leave enough space for a caterpillar in the palm of your fist, and when you punch it should not be harmed.. something like that. I liked your investigation/exposition very much.

[@AR-qn9mq]

What if you get into a fight but haven't got a caterpillar with you?

[@AK_UK_]

Is it physically possible to punch with 4 knuckles? If you put your fist against a wall, you can either make the top 2 knuckles or 3 knuckles flush...?

[@IanSinclairTaiChi]

The target is seldom flat, so we can think of it as punching with anywhere from one knuckle to four.

[@matthewrix2164]

Why punch at all?

[@matthewmagda4971]

Agreed. Backhand, elbow, forearm and open palm are where it's at... Maximum effect with minimal effort!

[@silang8381]

I agree. Palms > fists except for hammer fists when the right targets present themselves.

[@sonnyfancypigeonsloft2065]

Would Mike be able to touch you? I don’t think so sensei Ian.

[@IanSinclairTaiChi]

Haha. :D. Let’s not test that, please. :/