Ma Bu/ Horse Stance Punch- Shaolin Kung Fu Guide

[@endergonzalez7970]

Hey man really useful video subbed

[@KungFit]

Glad you found it helpful

[@wolfethered7776]

Great video, the audio was a bit low though. Quick question, would it be feasible or desirable to throw the punch on a lower ma bu, like on a completely 90º agle?

[@KungFit]

It is definitely feasible, but the lower you get the harder it becomes to generate power. The reason for this is that as you get lower the angle of the hips changes, reducing your potential range of motion. You can certainly use going lower as a training exercise for strength and mobility, it just becomes less applicable. Think of high ma bu as more how you would actually use it and low ma bu as a training tool. Like if you train to lift 100kg, lifting 50kg is easy. Take it gently to begin with though, fast twisting when all the way down, if you aren't warmed up and ready for it, could lead to pulling a muscle in your back. You also need to have really good form with your ma bu if you are going to get good punches all the way down at 90 degrees.

[@wolfethered7776]

@@KungFit thank you! I'll give it a go out of curiosity haha

[@KungFit]

@Wolfe the Red No problem. Let me know how it goes 😀

[@zetareticulan321]

Does Shaolin punch with the last 3 knuckles or the first 2?

[@KungFit]

To be honest I think people worry about this a little too much. As long as you are not leading with your outer knuckles (because the bones are weaker) and have a strong wrist alignment either is fine. Unless you are hitting something completely solid, the distinction soon disappears. A person is at least a little squishy, so you'll end up impacting with all of your knuckles anyway. When you also think about the fact that your punch doesn't necessarily land at the optimal range (which is why I always teach palms in hooks), and there are lots of different punches and angles you can use, any theoretical ideal pretty much goes out the window.