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Punch (strike)




In the context of Unarmed Combat or Melee , a punch is "a thrusting blow, esp. with the fist."
"punch." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 29 Jun. 2007. In some sports and disciples, such as , 2007 .

Contrary to some opinions, it is joint overuse, Scott J. Zashin. " Can Sports Cause Osteoarthritis? " Retrieved on June_29 , 2007 . in addition to other factors such as improper technique and protection, not punching as an activity in itself, that is responsible for the development of Osteoarthritis .


PUNCHING STYLES


Many martial arts such as Karate , Taekwondo , Muay Thai and Wing Chun , among others, combine punches with kicks and other strikes, whereas Boxing utilizes only punches. Punches vary in technique, speed, range, and force. A list of some types of punches may be seen as outlined below. ''Instructions on ''how'' to punch are beyond the scope of this article,'' though descriptive sentences may be used for illustrative purposes only.


Boxing


In boxing, punches are classified according to the motion and direction of the strike; contact is always made with the knuckles. There are four primary punches in boxing: the jab, Cross , Hook , and Uppercut . For more information, see the article entitled " Boxing ".


Karate


Punching techniques in Karate are called '' Tsuki '' or ''zuki''. Contact is made with the knuckles (''seiken''). If any other part of the hand is used to strike with, such as the back of the fist (''uraken'') or the bottom of the fist (''tetsui''), then the blow is classified as a Strike (uchi).

Karate punches include the thrust punch '' Oi-zuki '' made using the lead-hand, straight punch '' Choku-zuki '', reverse punch '' Gyaku-zuki '', made from the opposite hand, and many other variations. 1


Ninjutsu

Like karate, punching techniques in Bujinkan Ninjutsu are usually called ''tsuki''. There are many types of punches which one would use depending on the situation, required force and distance from the opponent.
One basic beginner's punch is very similar to Wing Chun's vertical fist punch.


Wing Chun

performing the " One Inch Punch ", found in various Southern Chinese Martial Arts such as Wing Chun ]]
Wing Chun practitioners punch with a vertical fist, or "sun fist". The impact is made with the bottom three knuckles, which keeps the wrist in proper alignment and reduces risk of injury to the wrist.

The most common and fundamental punch in Wing Chun, the straight punch, travels in a straight line from the striker's guard to the opponent's body or face. The punch typically travels through the center of the striker's body with the elbow pointed down. Wing Chun practitioners believe that this makes the punch faster and structurally stronger than a horizontal punch due to the whole body being directly behind the punch. Unlike boxing, Wing Chun practitioners do not usually practice wearing gloves or hand-wraps.

The " One Inch Punch ", made famous by Bruce Lee , is intended for use at very close quarters against an opponent who is close to the practitioner.


VARIOUS TYPES OF PUNCHES


This is not a comprehensive list of all punches, due to the large diversity of schools of practice whose techniques, employing arm, shoulder, hip and leg work, may invariably differ.


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  • Hammer punch: A compacted fist is brought down as fast as possible on the intended target.

  • Gator Thrash: Repeated sets of overhand punches one hand after another, much like a cat when scratching a post but with a closed fist.

  • Long fist: By tucking the fingertips against the bottom knuckle of each finger, a long fist is formed. They offer decreased strength but increased reach.

  • Backfist: A backfist is performed by forming a fist and striking with the tops of the two largest knuckles. A ''spinning backfist'' is performed when the attacker swivels 360 degrees before landing the punch, adding extra momentum to the attack. Fraser Drew has a powerful spinning backfist.

  • Haymaker: A punch that mimics the action of throwing a baseball. A haymaker uses a person's entire weight to throw the punch, thus, a long windup is needed. Haymakers are frequently used from a Mounted Position in Mixed Martial Arts as part of the " Ground And Pound " method.

  • Overhand: The blow lands on a vertical axis rather than a horizontal one.

  • Chambered Punch: A strike commonly performed in karate, kung fu, and tae kwon do, originating from a "chambered" position.Tkdtutor.com " Variations " Retrieved on June_29 , 2007

  • Upset Punch: Starts with the fist in the chambered position, with the palm facing downwards, delivered to the abdomen or solar plexus.


  • Shovel Hook: A close range punch that is halfway between a hook and an uppercut.



Other types of hand strikes


In multiple martial-art styles, other hand strikes are taught and used in combination with punches. More information can be found in the " Strike " article.


RECORDS


The Guinness World Record for the most punches in one minute is held by Jim Fung 's student, Robert Ardito , who performed 700 punches in one minute at the International Wing Chun Academy in Sydney on the 18th of March, 2007.Wingchun.com.au " Ardito http://www.wingchun.com.au/popup_guinnessworldrecord2.html " Retrieve date unknown


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