The Ultimate Guide to Punch Bare-Knuckle

[@aatee5840]

I have to chime in, after practicing both fist configurations and studying and teaching anatomy at medschool: I agree with 90% of this video and think it's one rare vid that actually arguments scientifically and anatomically as to why and how the punch is formed like it is. 1) the first metacarpals are the biggest and strongest whereas the 2 last ones are the ones associated with the "boxer's fracture" of the last for example, way more common fx type encountered. 2) the radius carries more load from the wrist and is braced better than the ulna. However! (there is one big however here) 3) The fist travels in an upright trajectory, hitting at an angle - if the wrist is bent, it is not as strong and is prone to injuries if hitting a strong part especially the forehead. 4) The most important issue not discussed here is the strength (=stability) of the wrist which is not at its best horisontally, but not vertically either! The best grip is achieved at a slight angle, a bit like grasping a steering wheel at the 1/11 o'clock positions. Try to grip a dumbbell and do some punching motions with it: The wrist is most comfortable and strong at an angle, not totally vertical. That's also if you try to do pushups - a slight angle from the vertical feels best because it is the most stable wrist position. (grab any anatomy book , such as the Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy, and see the example figures there to prove the point. Even the master Price has the wrist at an angle, if you stop the video as he punches. That's the angle trad. Karate for example may teach in some schools. Lastly, the distance is important as well, if you punch something very close, it may still be better to utilize the lower knuckles for that in order not to bend the wrist and lose stability and power.

[@GaawutProductions]

Thank you for adding important information to the discussion 🙏 I was not aware of any data on wrist strength in different positions, however, the strongest wrist position you mention is the correct one for the vertical fist according to Chris Price and the one I use; thumb at 11 o'clock for the right hand, and 1 o'clock for the left one. I didn't mention it in this video, but I talk about it in my Book on Bare-Knuckle Boxing. If the thumb points at 12 o'clock it's a "forced vertical".

[@DarkerCry]

The fist angle at 1/11 makes sense, when I land a hit I normally don't stop at the horizonal angle or vertical but angle roughly at those points. There are a few high level boxers which explain that they often try to have their fist twist to land at those angles, it's just that when they do the snap the hand is more or less an inverted 1/11. It also helps with getting the shoulder to cover the chin. I think it also helps move the head to be off center, or makes it easier.

[@RPGgrenade]

I understand that going at an almost horizontal angle seems to be the way to go according to what you're describing. But would over-rotating so the fist goes a little bit PAST the horizontal bend cause any negative side effects? I just want to know because it migth be helpful to think of the 1/11 state as depending on the range. Like if it's closer, try to maintain an angle that doesn't go past horizontal, but if farther, you can get more rotation and go past horizontal, or something like that, as that's most comfortable for me specifically. If not I'll try getting used to lowering my rotation rate, but I would like to confirm first if at all possible :)

[@FeralWorker]

I landed on the steering wheel grip angle after digesting too much discourse on the topic. It's also validated by a consideration of minimal tension which lends it self too better micro-coordination, and better support from contracted hand and forearm musculature.

[@mikebradshaw8530]

1910? Lol martial arts 🥋 in asia has been practicing before Jesus was alive. Lol like thousands of years ago.

[@davehumpleby3440]

Without any formal training in fighting, I bought myself a heavy punchbag years ago as a cheap set-up for cardio training. It took very little time to figure out the correct way to strike it with bare hands, elbows, knees, shins, and feet. This was in the days before the internet or access to any scientific data on the subject. You only get it wrong a few times before you work out how to strike properly. First two knuckles just feels right.

[@MrWeareone777]

I agree, but when I hook a heavy bag I do vertical like JKD/Wing Chun. For me it has so much power and I’ve knocked down so many opponents with the vertical hook. Each to their own I guess.

[@willem2099]

Lol… Doubt that very much. It takes a lot of training to throw proper punches. Go take a boxing lesson and make sure to tell your trainer what you just said here. You’ll make his day. And for example, pro boxers can still fuck up their hands beyond repair and I was out if the running for half a year since exactly one year ago from punching a heavy bag WITH gloves (no wraps inner gloves)

[@kalliste23]

@@willem2099 BS. You learn pretty quick when it hurts and when it doesn't, start light and slow and get heavier and faster as you master the strike.

[@davehumpleby3440]

@willem2099 LOL! Maybe YOU took a lot of training to throw a punch. Don't judge people you don't know by your own standards, mate.

[@willem2099]

@@davehumpleby3440 you sound like you never trained a day in your life.

[@stefanekszczykutowicz8884]

You might find the shoulder naturally sits lower with a vertical fist, leaving the neck and head vulnerable. A horizontal fist tends to bring the shoulder up. Best to learn both ways properly and when to use them

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

Yeah, this is what happens with many Wing Chun techniques, they do not work well against someone with a high shoulder. You are totally right

[@sirseigan]

On the other hand a lower shoulder and less initial shouldermovement make the punches less telegraphed and harder to spot in time. So trade offs. Best as you say to learn both and know when to use what.

[@Devi_Blitz]

You will find that shoulders up with vertical fist can give it a real power boost, when rocking the torso forward into it (as shown at the beginning of Jack Dempsey's book)

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

@@Devi_Blitz indeed

[@alexanonimo6876]

​@@sirseiganit's better to be protected than worry about telegraphing. if you're worried about that, learn to relax your jab better.

[@mathieuauffret8663]

as a radiologist and boxer, i congratulate you for this excellent analysis.

[@Spikebert]

Wing Chun background, yeah we usually use the bottom three, though in my school it's mostly the middle two, pinkie knuckle takes less of the impact- but two points: 1 the fists should be trained and conditioned to make them strong enough and perhaps more importantly 2-we try to follow the "hard/soft" rule- if you're hitting a soft part of the opponent's' body, use a hard part of yours, for hitting a hard part like the jaw or skull, use a soft part of yours- palm strike.

[@redfiend]

Wish someone told me about this hard/soft rule when I was a kid. Broke my fingers 3 times, before started to suspect I was doing something wrong...

[@jordancobb7553]

I would have kept that first part a secret if I was you 😂

[@leso204]

remember when tyson fury fought deontay wilder' fury hit wilder with the heal of his glove wilder later accused fury of having a loaded glove , the punch was clearly seen in a still shot of the fight but it seems no one saw it lol !

[@nickmontanaro9638]

Sounds like they refuse to admit that using small knuckles at all was a mistake. Many people have suffered due to this prideful character flaw.

[@richandclean]

@@leso204 good point, everyone was so confused lol

[@kit6357]

A much-debated topic, but in this one I really like a key takeaway, which is that with all the hard shapes of a human head (and especially with both parties moving), it's always risky bare-knuckle punching your opponent in the head with force no matter what your hand position!

[@raydrexler5868]

Eye poke and ear slap are good alternatives. Use either bent fingers or a backhand flicking motion for the poke to avoid hurting your fingers.

[@alphaomega1173]

Maybe if your hands aren't properly condition. I'm sure you've seen Thias smash concrete and bend metal with their shins. You can do the same with any bone. It's called wolfs law.

[@Whiterun_Gaurd]

Karatekas are known for strengthening the knuckles but your hands might become permenantly deformed causing all kinds of issues​@@alphaomega1173

[@windhelmguard5295]

@@raydrexler5868 i swear by the palm thrust and the hammer fist, your palms are designed to absorb powerful impacts when you fall, your knuckles are not.

[@momndadh8u]

Always a palm strike in a street fight! You create more power this way. Avoid breaks and cuts to your own hand. Only downside is that you don't cut your opponent. That doesn't matter though, a street fight doesn't get a doctor's stoppage by cut. You must fight on.

[@guilhermealvessilveira8938]

Excellent video, learned a lot. In JKD we use a lot of vertical fists, we apply like Jack Dempsey tought, but i use the horizontal too because of muay thai and sanda, it's good to have variations. I'll train to hit and try the way showed in this video.

[@GaawutProductions]

Excellent, that's exactly what Bruce Lee taught; experiment and find out what works best for you 🙏

[@CuchulainAD]

Chris Price is a legend. Look at all the trad systems it's a vertical fist.

[@uberdonkey9721]

yep, though I agree with durability of 1st two knuckles as said here, Jack Dempsey obviously fought a lot, so seems that bottom three still remains an option

[@lmclrain]

any good reliable JKD channels perhaps?

[@guilhermealvessilveira8938]

@@lmclrain Vicent Raimond (don't remember the exact name of the chammel), Tommy Carruthers and JKD One Inch Channel, they're good.

[@danielglenn8976]

Great job with the proper hitting form on the first two knuckles! As a youngster I didn’t know and messed up my hands more than once. Since I’ve learned, no real hand injuries and two good slick knockouts. Good video thank you!

[@KubaSzI]

This is the best material i ever seen more video like this i love your work ❤

[@GaawutProductions]

Thank you, I appreciate it 🙏

[@metube2315]

What an excellent video! Rigorously scientific and accessible to all.

[@joedasilva3866]

Best video I've ever found on this topic Excellent work 👏🏻

[@GaawutProductions]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@facruas]

High quality production. Thanks.

[@ceseijitsu]

Very well made. The facts presented and supported with references. Thank you.

[@thomashalm8585]

I kinda figured all this on my own. Med student dreaming of being a boxer

[@user-eb2kv7bg4t]

i don't rotate my wrist while throwing the cross with horizontal fist. i leave the wrist tense and still, without turning my fist, instead i rotate my whole arm making sure that i flare the elbow before connecting not too early because that would be a huge telegraph. flaring the elbow gives you more power

[@zulufighter]

Flaring the elbow decreases power in the lateral energy leak, jab and cross should finish with elbow internally rotated fully, without it being forced, so that when body twist provides the power of the punch, the arm flies straight forward linearly without any energy leak from non linear motions

[@zulufighter]

Watch Michael jai white thats where i learnt this from

[@davidekhalil944]

I love "in loving memory of Chris Price." - Love moves worlds more than fists ever will. Bless you for having such a fine teacher.

[@happyg5647]

Such a great video, you have an awesome voice for this brother!

[@GaawutProductions]

Thank you for your support 🙏

[@happyg5647]

@@GaawutProductions You should do videos on becoming the greatest version of yourself, sometimes people need to hear that message a certain way for it to sink in, you have talent to do that, it may help a lot of people!

[@themadmallard]

The karate style Isshinryu still teaches a vertical punch with the index and middle knuckles making contact. Not aware of any other Japanese or Okinawan style that does. This includes the tilting you called a downward deviation, but its usually described during training as locking in the wrist.

[@skzombierain7536]

Outstanding presentation. Thank you.

[@ReivasMC]

Valuable input. I agree with most information. The only thing I disagree with is which punch is better, vertical or straight. Here's the thing, they both got their place. I can feel a clear power advantage with the fist in the horizontal position, but it's also true that vertical is better, faster and safer to punch and block right after. I'd say the truth lies in the middle and it really comes down to "will the difference in power make a difference regarding this next strike" as it's allways a trade of.

[@uberdonkey9721]

yep, I do know people that will train in both for this reason. Reason I train vertical (though I used to punch horizontal) is actually cos of the target orientation. Easier to catch a jaw or solar plexus with a vertical fist.

[@midgrave]

I study mechanical engineering and I have come to same conclusion previously aswell. Great video What made me think about this was seeing how canelo throws his overhand right.

[@sumdudenorris106]

The horizontal fist comes more from shoulder internal rotation than rotation of the radius and ulna. This allows for more recruitment of the chest and shoulder muscles

[@uclagymnastx-ing]

1910 would be a pretty consistent timeline with what I had been told- that western boxing had received influence and evolution from when our U.S. Marines were over in the Philippines (1898-onward, occupation and insurrection of the Philippines). Filipino boxing was weapons-based- footwork, evasion instead of standing toe-to-toe, defense in tighter... punches based on the knife (hooking knife techniques- hook punch, jabs- jabbing with the knife).

[@keonimay9071]

As a boxer (currently a USA Licensed Boxing Coach & Official) & martial artist (classically trained & fighter), I started training in 1958 (8 years old), till present (2024). *** I believe, in punching with 2 knuckles & 3 knuckles. *** I believe, in thrusting my punches & snapping my punches. *** I believe, that the academics, caused the conflicts, between the 2 types of punching. *** I believe in knuckle conditioning. *** It takes years, to develop strong knuckles, and I use hand wraps & bag gloves to punch steel I-Beams. *** If you hit someone, in a Volkswagen at 5 mph, it will produce some damage. *** However, if you hit someone, in a Volkswagen at 95 mph, it will produce serious bodily injury or death. *** Therefore, bodyweight & speed, are also important factors, for effective punching. *** Lastly, hitting vital body targets (example: liver - heart - side of neck - throat - armpits -etc...), will produce the ultimate desired effects.

[@Leon-R2D2]

I only have one addition to make to your conclusive analysis. Please folks train with swords or any weapon because i know that you have to have similar alinement with any weapon. Knowing how to use a dagger a sword and a spear will give you the right movement patterns that will translate into empty handed combat. That is the way of the cossack fighting style i learned.

[@GaawutProductions]

Indeed, that's also why the vertical fist is used in some old Muay Boran styles 🙏

[@johnnyquiddd7281]

Thank you 🙏 very useful. With so many different ways of punching I was starting to doubt which is the Best one. Glad to notice that at my Kickboxing gym our Coach teaches us the correct alignment of the knuckles ( hitting with the first 2 knuckles like in the video, but with a horizontal fist and also by turning it) by making us practice drills that will instill proper technique into the body. Also at home I train my grip strength and forearm muscles ( with the exercises Bruce Lee did, I think they're 7 in total for the forearms ) to have the best results. PS: Love your channel, you earned my subscription sir 🫡

[@Riphagen1902]

Great video mate

[@bajuszpal172]

Many thanks for this video and condolence to late Chris Price. Generally klassical styles in Kung Fu prefer vertical fist, while those in Japan, the horziontal one, except for Shorin Ji Kempo as you also mentioned. The good news is that physiological aspects speak for the first two knuchkles, whichever fist is used. Personally I´d also suggest two main aspects, namely the type of hit and target softness or hardness. More to it, I would have completed this video with the open hand variants, which mostly in self-defence are almost impossible to avoid and form an alternative way of striking hard surfaces. Best regards.Paul,68, retired instructor of Karate.

[@davidduffy3021]

Excellent break down

[@AnUnknownPlayer.]

Hitting with the two top knuckles is what i run with cuz it always seems the lower knuckles are what get damaged when someone breaks they’re hand.

[@kalthepsionicist6910]

vertical, horizontal, 2 knuckle, 3 knuckle, all useable depending on the type of punch and angle

[@TheSpartanboy10]

Very phenomenal video, the fanbase seems to be very interested in this subject. I'd highly recommend giving barefisted a watch, the channel expands upon this concept for anyone interested in further knowledge and practical application for bareknuckle training.

[@Kane-ez]

i used train boxing i used to break my hands and hurt my wrist in street fights took karate dropped gloves at 16 or 17 changed to vertical fist started going bare fisted ,training with heavybag sand and rock bags havnt hurt my hands once since still doing conditioning and knuckle push ups today ill be 50, i try not too fight anymore growing up in 80s and 90s we fought everyday diffrent than today

[@ronbird121]

bringing the best doctor in

[@KempoWarrior1954]

Very detailed video. Well done.

[@BadZomby]

Very instructive ! Thank you ! 🙏

[@c0g1t00]

also having gloves means you need to punch harder to deal concus so you need to rotate to not hurt your elbow were as bare knuckle didnt need power but precission like he said eye nose and lips

[@MURKYDEEP]

Fundamentals, all angles, both stances, cardio, cardio ,cardio!

[@GothamandGomorrah]

I have what I believe to be a dislocated knuckle on my right hand (last knuckle) - I believe it’s dislocated because it’s lower down than the rest of the knuckles on my hand - I think I’m going to switch to vertical after watching this video. When I last fought somebody last. I felt heavy pressure on my wrist too & it was sore for a few days. So if it can mitigate that also, then it’s a sensible switch.

[@GaawutProductions]

It might make a difference, try it and let me know 🙏

[@johnmcgahan1001]

thanks for finally clearing this up it's bothered me for years!

[@mrsaifullahbaloch-g6x]

so explained i love it

[@PrashantKumar-cn1fj]

Thanks for the Information.

[@mcorbin9474]

Dudes will just see this in their suggested videos and say "Hell yeah"

[@theheroandlegendchannel]

In my lineage of kungfu especially because I was dirt poor as I was learning I couldn’t afford luxury items like gloves and pads, I had to learn to punch in a way that protects my hands. If you’re busting your hands and knuckles you are not punching correctly. Believe it or believe it

[@KubaSzI]

Wow this video is rare ❤

[@marksimmo8626]

Great video very informative 👏

[@crankpatate3303]

I've learnt to punch this way like 15 years ago. Guess I had a good teacher. :)

[@Ajpinggu]

vertical fist is for body shots, because it has more contact for liver punch compared with horizontal, horizontal fist is for the head.

[@hctson]

I think it could also be safer with a vertical fist because there seems to be a tendency for the pinky and ring finger knuckle to connect with a horizontal compared to a vertical. Could just be I have deformed anatomy though lol.

[@CuchulainAD]

RIP Chris

[@blurredlights5235]

what happened to buddy? i never seen this channel before. But he was absolutely right. I come from karate, but im adapting a vertical punch now. Everything has its place, but Bareknuckle is the only way.

[@CuchulainAD]

@@blurredlights5235 I used to follow him on Quora but then he went very quiet I had my fears... When an old man dies a library dies with him.

[@buggaboo2707]

Well done

[@requiscatinpace7392]

We teach using the two top knuckles in Krav Maga. The reason is in a street fight where you don’t have gloves these are the two biggest and strongest bones in the hand and hopefully harder to break.

[@jasongenn39]

There are many advantages to vertical punch. You also have more lengths with the punch you keep your ribs covered far better than when you were lifting the elbow up, hence preventing them from coming underneath and hitting you in the kidneys. Secondly, if the person is a grappler. It is quicker to pull the elbow down if it’s in a vertical punch rather than horizontal. Sadly, when you punch with the vertical fist, you have more of the body behind the punch, where when you lift the elbow horizontally, the bone structure does not support the power behind the fist as much and the weight, hence a week of punch.

[@werewolf74]

very similar to a stab, like how some arts teach movement that is useful with and without a weapon. I like the first 2 knuckles with a twist locking my whole arm.

[@GaawutProductions]

Yes, it's very similar to a stab, that's why in some Muay Boran styles the vertical fist is used.

[@LookingInwardly]

Great video, many thanks 🙏

[@gardnert1]

The vertical punch is better simply because it requires revealing fewer tells. That makes it SEEM faster to the target because they are not perceiving those tells until much later.

[@InfinityExt]

Yes and having less tells is better. People always talk about how pro fighters have no telegraph and if vertical punching helps with less telegraph then that’s a W

[@johnnymism]

I think there's punching in a sport and then there is punching for self-defence, both are valid. Vertical punching reduces injuries to the hand when hitting any part of a skull and is less likeky to be seen and the twist on the horizontal gives more power but has a higher injury rate in self-defence.

[@Handles_arent_a_needed_feature]

Pretty sure you get more broken knuckles with the three knuckle one

[@frogman4700]

vertical is also better at sneaking through gaps in your opponents guard, althrough in choy li fut we are taught to do both depending on the situation

[@ares8553]

Very good video.

[@uberdonkey9721]

best thing I've seen on punching orientation (I'm 52!) I train in martial arts and use vertical punches as a preference because target areas often vertical (going for jaw, but neck good if jaw missed). Indeed, the likelihood of not being directly on a target is very high in a serious (non stationary/non sucker punch) confrontation, so definitely punches have to be done with the assumption you may miss target. That's also why the only target areas for me are jaw (or neck if opponent's head not tucked in), nape (back) of neck, and just behind the ear - all direct knock out points, though of course I'd jab just to destract. Thankyou so much for this.. knuckles was very important overview.. I used to punch first 2, changed to whole fist, but seeing this I'll punch with first two again.

[@emeliealegonero4043]

Really smart thanks ❤

[@gerrythorington7332]

Regarding the vertical punch, there's no mention on the location of the elbow and the feet and it's impact on power as when comparing western boxing to Wing Chun.

[@Vancouverbreakdancers]

They're both good but horizontal, you have to punch slightly downward so your bones are aligned for the punch and you don't mess up your fingers or wrist. Vertical is good for hook and straight punches but may feel awkward at first to ppl who trained TKD, Karate etc to get used to it.

[@aiyahuntacheimumbi236]

Which knuckles are safest depends on the shape of your fist and the length of your metacarpals. I can land flatly with the bottom 3 knuckles with my Left fist, but with my Right fist I can only connect with 2 knuckles at any time because of the longer length of my 4th and shorter length of my 3rd Metacarpal. I prefer to connect with my middle 2 knuckles most often with the right. I've read both Dempsey and Fitzsimmons Books, as well as Joe Louis, Daniel Mendoza, Edwin Haislet, Archie Moore, as many old Boxing manuals as I can find. Chris Price was amazing, and I love his work. RIP. I exclusively use Bare Knuckle style Punches as a modern Boxer and plan to compete Professionally. I have footage on my Channel for anyone interested. Those style of punches allow me to train on the heavy bag full speed and power with no wraps or gloves, or in thin leather gardening gloves for longer sessions to avoid skinned knuckles.

[@vandal0317]

Vert or Horiz fist comes down to preference based on one's combat system. But more importantly, condition your hands so they don't get fractured. Ppl forget how hard the skull(especially forehead) is.

[@joanstone6740]

The vertical fist with the bottom three knuckles is really good for body shots though softer areas are definitely okay with the three knuckles the head is iffy to hit with a fist in any case I prefer palm strike for hard surfaces like the skull and the fist for the body

[@muhammadgeorge3811]

it's been a week since i watched this and i've been practicing the vertical fist since. i had a steel bag (steel rod covered in foam) at home and i've been practicing with horizontal fist without glove on the steel bag and it always hurt my wrist even tho i don't hit that hard. i can say this works for me cuz ever since i'm practicing with vertical fist my fist feel more solid and i don't feel any pain in my wrist even tho i hit way harder than when i'm punching with horizontal fist. thanks for the knowledge gaawut keep up the good work 👍

[@GaawutProductions]

That's great! Keep practicing the vertical fist and you will hit harder than with the horizontal 🙏

[@riadhronaldo898]

You just have bad technique. I can throw very powerful horizontal straights without hurting myself . And also the vertical punches are harmful to the elbow when they are thrown with power and miss and don't have a shoulder snap for more power and protection.

[@GaawutProductions]

@@riadhronaldo898 Those are symptoms of bad technique with the vertical fist straight punch

[@muhammadgeorge3811]

@@riadhronaldo898 thank you for the critique, im still new to martial arts, and maybe you're right about my technique. i don't see much difference in vertical or horizontal punch. because when i throw the vertical punch i do it like when you throw regular punch in kick boxing, the only difference is that my wrist is vertical not horizontal. can you please explain more about the technique of horizontal punching? because i would love to learn more.

[@riadhronaldo898]

@@muhammadgeorge3811 just focus on throwing straight punches with the shoulder. And Always do a shoulder rotation whenever you throw these punches to get more power and minimize the risk of getting injured in the elbow. Always keep your wrists straight and tight when you throw the punches. At first focus on the right technique don't focus on power and by the time and training your technique will improve . And also I think shadowboxing is the best way to perfect a technique.

[@NeonBlade]

Great video

[@James-wd9ib]

The TLDR is: If you're not out there conditioning your fists, then you watch too much KZbin

[@GaawutProductions]

Indeed.

[@MrWeareone777]

Exactly 👍

[@tsutchiex]

Your video is really valluable in 90% of all the points you made and I have recommended it to some of my friends interested in the topic. I do have to point out that the most debatable topic is the vertical vs horizontal postion.The only thing I don't agree with is with the principle of twisting the wrist to increase the power. At around 2:05, you say there's no difference between the vertical vs horizontal and that one might be weaker when punching horizontally because of anatomy. As far as anatomy goes, I cannot say anything. But the principle of twisting something to creat more power and penetration is in everything. There's a reason why all modern firearms now have those twisting structures to make the bullets rotate when they leave the chamber. There's a reason why the screw is a screw and a nail is a nail. A nail needs way more force to go into a plank of wood. A screw being force into a plank can even destroy part of the wood around it. Boxers, karatekas and even pro bare knucle boxers rotate their fists when they want extra knocking power when straight punching. Not only their fists but also their shoulder angle as well. Check the Punch Professor channel on "hard punching" for example. So, while I agree that the vertical fist is better anatomically speaking, the horizontal fist (because of it's rotating aspect from vertically to horizontally, sometimes going even downward in a diagonal fashion) are preferred by professionals in the area. What's really insteresting here, is that a vertical fist is preferred by many when throwing a long **round/Curved** hook to the face. It seems that the rotational aspect of the technique suits the vertical fist more when it comes to twisting the body and transferring all the energy to the adversary's face. So maybe it's more of a "form follows function" story than anything else.

[@GaawutProductions]

Thank you for your comment 🙏 The principle of twisting to get penetration indeed works, but only on a soft target. Chris Price taught to use the vertical fist on a straight to the head, but he also taught to twist the straight punch when striking at the body or a soft target, and only after the impact, not before. The concept would be similar to screwing a knife after stabbing, but in our case, the twisting motion of the fist pulls the soft tissue around, in a way that helps it reach deeper into the target. Against a hard surface, this principle has no effect at all, as you are not penetrating the skull; you want to target the chin to cause a knockout due to the sudden acceleration of the brain. If twisting made a difference in penetrating, fighters would rotate the arm during piercing elbows or other types of elbows, but that's not the case. There is a big difference between a punch, a bullet, and a nail. This video was about the Straight Punch, for round punches it's a whole different story.

[@ricc00000]

Like it as so well explained

[@Nawhbuddy]

The twist causes more damage. Your more likely to break skin while twisting. As long as ur rotating while contact

[@diosdadoapias]

why not have a compromise between the vertical and horizontal fist---diagonal fist. It is almost vertical and almost horizontal. I am doing it in my practice. If I punch in the karate straight punch I do it in the horizontal fist so that the knuckles of the fore and middle finger will be the impact point like in traditional Karate. If I punch in the western straight cross, I use the diagonal fist to utilize the knuckles of the middle, annular and small finger as impact point.

[@pfcaraujo]

After breaking my hand on multiple fights growing up, I’m now watching this video lol

[@nomvonglismerced4311]

stretch reflex more active in vertical and horizantal less so horixantal is more for punching fully throigh and vertical for multiple quockly

[@parallax9084]

excellent video

[@GaawutProductions]

Thank you 🙏

[@jamesharper9045]

I condition all my knuckles. The ring finger knuckle doesnt make contact as much as the others just due to the way my fist is shaped. I kind of go with Dave LeDuc's veiw on it. The middle knuckle always makes contact, it has to be conditioned. The others will get conditioned through conditioning the middle knuckle.

[@jamesharper9045]

I prefer a vertical fist.

[@turkicsayajin2274]

what i do is i aim to hit with the first two knuckles but i still condition the last two in case i miss, simple and logic

[@HEMA-NRW]

One factor that was left out was the stability of the wrist, if you hit with the two knuckles you will buckle much more easily than if you hit with the bottom three! and the less the wrist gives in, the more force you can transfer.

[@jacobharris954]

Vertical punching is the foundation of punching in wing chun

[@Gieszkanne]

Yes but with the lower 3 knuckles.

[@niscent_]

a little reminder that wolff's law is about load over time, not impact. every single conditioning method that involves striking something hard or hitting yourself with something hard does not strengthen the bones, it merely deadens nerves. the main way to strengthen your bones is to do exercises that strengthen the skeletal muscles attached to them. this will beat any type of conditioning specific exercise every single time. for the hands however, there's very little skeletal muscles directly inside of it, and there's only so many bones of the hand that you can stimulate and load through muscle training. that's were it is useful to add to muscle training (add to, and not replace), other sorts of of conditioning exercises. for practical hand conditioning, once you are already doing grip and wrist muscle training (the more variety in the exercises the better). you can add knuckle pushups, transitioning to harder push up variations like elevated or hand stand push ups when you need to increase difficulty, rather than using harsher more painful surface, the goal is to increase load on the entire knuckles not reduce the area of application of the load to get higher pressure on smaller spots. then you can also do some bare knuckle punching on a heavy bag (starting on a softer bag first), which will be a better load over time than striking walls or trees, and will also help you develop a familiarity with what it feels like to hit something bare knuckle.

[@danesmith1817]

There’s a lot of comments on this section so I’m sure this was already said, but a vertical fast gives more protection to the body and a horizontal fist will protect the head better.

[@ralfhtg1056]

My experience: I can stabilise my wrist better when using a vertical fist. Especialy when hitting the makiwara (I have a Karate background). And in Karate you always land with the first 2 knuckles.

[@SoldierDrew]

Isshin Ryu uses first two knuckles in a vertical fist

[@oisinpark5807]

a vertical punch does however fit into the solar plexus easier when it's bare knuckle (6th kyu kyokushinKai)

[@brandonavellano1836]

Amazing lesson.... THANK GOD that even training in Tkd as i practiced and learnt from different martail arts i can till this day teach my students exactly what i have seen here!!... Thank god i saw this to back up my practical and theories for over 30 yeras training

[@thamwisai1]

Once a boxer is trained according to how the human body really naturally works they become a deadly weapon

[@soulflame5635]

Lets be honest, If one is a fighter - real one - he practise his tools in all angles all bones etc- bc 1 safety - so he will not break arm / leg 2. angles sometime its better to use karate punch - finisher sometime its better to go inside - crush guard with wing tsun and then twist classic punches. All depends on situation and adaptation but - I used to do karate conditioning - 2 knuckle pushups for 22 + years - I can hit concrete w/o problems - angle is true no slight deviations - I am safe. But when doing wing tsun pushups or hits I have to focus to angle it properly so I'll not break my arm - my last 3 knuckles are not reinforced as firs two - working on it. Also working on fingers - pushups and rise crushing / squeezing and circles in a bucket. Practise all angles / tools gentlemen - do not leave 1 part of Your body weak bc weakest one will break first and hinder Your strong parts. Osu

[@MarianoGrande1]

Here's a fun fact to support the ideao of punching with the frist 2 knuckles: 55% of punching related fractures happen at pinkey's metakarpal bone.

[@skip2mylou05]

Its to do with your elbow. If you vertically punch the hinge in your elbow is open and you can throw it out especially if you lock out, turn the wrist and the elbow hinge is closed, even when locked out. Its to do with the biomechanics of the radius-ulna joint and how they rotate.

[@JamesAndersonPKWC]

In Pankration Wing Chun, we use both the vertical and the horizontal fist, in straights, hooks, uppercuts, and also hammer fists, palm strikes and reverse palms. I would say your premise thesis of “how best to not break the fist” is a strategy of how not to lose, which is not the same thing as, how to win. My starting thesis is how to break the enemy’s skull, heart, or any bone in his body, to slay him and thereby protect life. You made many good points and missed many other points but all of it is academic, armchair philosophy. Talking about eating chocolate pudding is not the same thing as eating chocolate pudding. 7 million plus knuckle push-ups and 30,000+ hours of training, until you can punch holes in concrete walls and use steel I beams as a makiwara, would change your perspective. In some scenarios, the 2 knuckle horizontal punch is best, in some scenarios the 2 knuckle vertical fist is best, in some scenarios the 3 knuckle so called vertical is best and in some angles the 3 knuckle horizontal fist is best, and in some the hammer fist is best. You are correct that most simply confuse their personal preference as objectivity. It is not. A good punch will have the target man’s eyes pop out of his skull or burst his heart. I know. My teacher tested exactly that on the enemy in Vietnam and after an artillery strike, invariably would find a few enemies somehow alive and half dead, for practice and execution by a good punch coup de grace. If you train for sport, sport is what you get. If you train for war, war is what you become good at. You are your daily training.

[@shart_with_force6686]

Impure punching is superior and safer. The most common metacarpal to break is the 5th. (Behind the pinky) The next most common is the 4th. (Behind the ring finger) Punching incorrectly or with poor placement is the only reason you will get injured. Both vertical and horizontal punches are valid and neither is “wrong”.

[@Shaolinfluencer]

I use both and da in-between or 45°

[@johntay3831]

Mas oyama punches with a vertical fist, slightly horizontal. Its about practicality and ease of use.

[@GiangoPT]

Yes, to the chest also called "mark"

[@Gieszkanne]

There is a Shorin Ryu Seibukan they use the fist inbetween a 45° angle.

[@aquaticlibrary]

Crazy thing is Alex Pereira throws almost exclusively vertical fists but it’s considered “bad technique or unorthodox” because it’s not as common

[@Bucephalus84]

Naw. His kicks are the bad technique. But he found a way to make it work.

[@ares8553]

Yeah and outside of the few top, elite fighters "judging" him most are the average dude that's been kickboxing for 2 years and thinks he's hotshit for doing what his gym daddy says. At best :^)

[@Thetruthwillsetyoufreee]

He's a beast gtfo

[@erniemiller1953]

In verticle punches, I use the first 2. In a horizontal, I use the last 3. You see this when Chris Price throws a cross.

[@Hamid-az]

I believe all positions are good and they depend on how you want to kick by your fist( hook, straight fist or uppercut). Position is very important and The most important thing is to develop muscles and bones. You should not hit more than your training limit because you are not ready for it.😊

[@cj18519]

Are pointy knuckles more dangerous in a street fight? It is said that it’s easier to cut someone or break someone’s bone with a pointy knuckle when all the force concentrates on a small surface, for example when someone has very pointy first knuckle which is the strongest knuckle, my ffriend broke his 2nd knuckle when he was young and now his first knuckle is very pointy and it is so easy for him to land one strong first knuckle (btw he genetically has pointy knuckles), great video man!

[@GaawutProductions]

Yes, that's the concept of pressure explained in the video. The smaller the contact surface the greater the pressure, that's shy elbow strikes cut the skin.

[@cj18519]

i think its a huge advantage for bare knuckle, is it true man that the first knuckle is the strongest? @@GaawutProductions

[@Mr75044]

Fantastic my friend 30 odd years ago I trained In traditional Shotokan. First lesson punch with the first two knuckles Called the rams head. Respect UK.

[@inquisitor4635]

I am a vertical fist lower 3 knuckles puncher. But you do need to do some conditioning training and know how to keep a tight fist. And focus on hitting the nose, eyes and the jaw area "knock out button" instead of the skull. In a dynamic fight this is not always going to be easy.

[@hotpopcorncake]

I like both punches, But this punch is not just in Wing Chun it; it's other Chinese martial art as well, like in my mantis kung fu we have vertical punches. In Kyokushin they me a way to condition the first wrist and a way to punch the body without harming your hands and wrist.