How do you make a fist?

[essence]

Good day everyone.

I know this topic sounds a little stupid, but to me, I feel if I am unable to make a fist properly, I will not be able to convey force properly, even possibly injuring myself in the process.

All other wrist strengthening exercises aside, how do you make a fist?

In TKD and Karate, I was taught to make a tight fist. Fold the fingers down to meet the top of the palm, then fold down again to make a fist. Contact is made via the first 2 knuckles. I have broken my 2nd knuckle employing this method.

In my kung fu, I am currently taught to make a hollow fist. In the fist, all fingers are aligned to ensure a proper contact and contact is made via the last 3 knuckles, which in my humble opinion, forms a straighter line from the elbow, thus minimising wrist injuries.

I have been told the hollow fist is to allow your punch to injure your opponent internally. What are your views on this? I have to admit this method of a hollow fist was only introduced to me recently. Having watched a recent documentary on Shaolin, they also said to make a hollow fist, like you are holding a cake within, and they also said this will allow you to hit the opponent on the inside.

What are everybody's thoughts on this subject?

Warmest regards,
Tze Hou

[Suhana LIM]

Tze Hou
Don't feel that way. No question(no matter how simple) is "stupid" one.

The way I make a fist. Fold the four fingers tightly touching the palm. Thumb on top of index and middle finger. I hope it's clear enough to be understood.
The first two knuckles are the contact point.

In order to avoid injuring the wrist, try to do push up.
Or in our lineage, we train with cio so (lock-shaped stone/iron weight).
Cheers.

[pitbull]

only tense when it nears the target...so that it will be fast...sink the fist as soon as it connects

[essence]

Good day everybody,

Very good suggestions for training, but what I really want to know is, do you make a tight or hollow fist?

Also, which knuckle do you use for contact in a normal punch?

Once again, thank you for sharing.

Regards,
Tze Hou

[nothingness]

Do a vertical fist as Suhana Lim describes. Tighten the fist only when making the contact. It shouldn't be too loose, but it shouldn't be to tight. You should feel a natural allignment with your forearm. I hope this helps and best wishes.

[konghan]

essence said:

Good day everybody,

Very good suggestions for training, but what I really want to know is, do you make a tight or hollow fist?

Also, which knuckle do you use for contact in a normal punch?

Once again, thank you for sharing.

Regards,
Tze Hou

Me, to go for that killer penetrating strike I would tightened my fist, & feel the energy that is generating in my close fist just like what Suhana have discribe it.

First two knuckles, just like in di sip kun keep fist close tight. Conditioning in close fist have a better control in switching later to hallow fist.

[pitbull]

if u dont tighten ur wrist or ur knuckles...u are only inviting injury

[essence]

Good day everybody,

Thanks for the suggestions. That has cleared up some stuff for me.

So it's agreed that the fist should be tight and contact point is the first 2 knuckles eh? Maybe I should concentrate conditioning in that manner.

Again, thank you so much for all your help.

Regards,
Tze Hou

[Suhana LIM]

Tze Hou ni hao
Glad we can share and exchange something. This is the purpose we are here
Cheers.

[Fatman]

We contact with the last 3 knuckles rather than the first 2. Other than that the mechanics are roughly the same.

[SergeTk]

Hi everyone! I was taught that we punch with last 3 knuckles when we punch verticallylike in dipsipkan, while if punch horizontally then we punch with first 2 knuckles. The main thing 2 watch is to keep you knuckles on straight-line when you contact so impact spread evenly across the knuckles.

Also if you practice shantung black tiger their fist is different to normal, they place thumb on the side of pointing finger.
I found that very interesting

[essence]

Good day everyone.

Another 2 perspectives on the subject.

So, is anyone able to explain why there are differing opinions on this subject? I understand the theory behind using different knuckles for different hits, but why are there so many ways of making a fist and contact?

Can anyone shed more light on this subject for me?

Warmest regards,
Tze Hou

[Suhana LIM]

Essence ni hao
The reason we in NCK use the first two knuckles (in vertical punch) because the target is the center of the chests(diaphragm?).
Cheers.

[Nataraya]

Suhana,

Interesting, for the same reason we are doing it with the last three reasons. Meaning that there is a pivooting action at the end, penetrating the plexus soalris area.

If you look to the anatomy of the body, especially around the area of what you say diaphragm, then you will see that the form of the bones (processus xiphorideus) is the problem in digging in that area. Tendon and bone are hard, especially when you create a Monkey back (like in Hakka arts). With Tsun Kiu or inch power, including that pivotting in the wrist, you can dig in more easily, especially because it is muscle tissue.

I agree that Gang Geng or Hard power supply (Diamond Fist) you will just break the sternum and the result is even better.

Sun Fist (Yat Tji kuen) can be done in two ways, for that particular area you described we use the last three knuckles.

Kind regards,

Evert.

[pitbull]

w 2 knuckles= armor piercing round
w 3 knuckes= high explosive round

depends on what ur after :-)

for me its more natural to punch using the 3 knuckles..its a person to person basis but a system should tell you when and how to use it though...i am personally not a punch oriented fighter..but i prefer hammering people w the backfist