Punching without gloves, which knuckles to use?

[GQchris]

I have read books that have said when punching someone without a glove, to use the last two knuckles of your hand as the aiming point, but my boxing coach has said it is the first two knuckles?

Can some of you badass boxers/martial artists give me your perspective? Thanks.

[GQchris]

Oops sorry, I just researched other threads that addressed this..

[eXcessiveForce]

for non gloved hands, isn't the general consensus that open hand strikes are better, If not it should be.

[GQchris]

Yes, that's generally what I have heard too, like palm strikes, but I am not currently training in arts like that right now, and wouldn't know how to properly deliver one. I am currently training at a Muay Thai/ Boxing gym.

[Michael Wright]

Its a good question actually.

When you box for any period of time, especially if you wrap and tape your hands and wear 14oz or 16oz gloves to spar with, it can become deceptive. A number of boxers (including Mike Tyson) have broken their hands in streetfights because they didn't form a full fist and hit with the correct part of the hand (though I'm sure the other guy didn't come off too great either)

If we are talking bare knuckle for SP, then you have major hits and minor hits (to set up the former). Strike with the first two knuckles, usually (for me) with a short right cross, against the tip of the jaw or as close as you can along the jawline, to shake the brain and render the opponent unconscious. The punch doesn't need to travel more than 12 inches and accuracy is far more important than power. That is my major application of boxing tools for a situation outside the ring.

If you need a set up with a minor hit, strike with the middle or outside knuckles to "the button" i.e. the collection of nerves below the nose and just above the mouth. This causes a closing of the eyes, tears, distraction and pain....setting up the main shot to the jaw.

Thats when things go well, but most of the time the fucker usually moves and you hit teeth, cheeks, ears and hair. But thats fun too

[Tant01]

Originally Posted by Michael Wright

Its a good question actually.

When you box for any period of time, especially if you wrap and tape your hands and wear 14oz or 16oz gloves to spar with, it can become deceptive. A number of boxers (including Mike Tyson) have broken their hands in streetfights because they didn't form a full fist and hit with the correct part of the hand (though I'm sure the other guy didn't come off too great either)

If we are talking bare knuckle for SP, then you have major hits and minor hits (to set up the former). Strike with the first two knuckles, usually (for me) with a short right cross, against the tip of the jaw or as close as you can along the jawline, to shake the brain and render the opponent unconscious. The punch doesn't need to travel more than 12 inches and accuracy is far more important than power. That is my major application of boxing tools for a situation outside the ring.

If you need a set up with a minor hit, strike with the middle or outside knuckles to "the button" i.e. the collection of nerves below the nose and just above the mouth. This causes a closing of the eyes, tears, distraction and pain....setting up the main shot to the jaw.

Thats when things go well, but most of the time the fucker usually moves and you hit teeth, cheeks, ears and hair. But thats fun too

I'm sure you have experimented with open hand atemi? Finger jabs?

The finger jab can be found in Judowaza if you look? That's for soft tissue targets primarily the trachea and eyes but the open hand gives you other options that are (IMO) no less effective than hitting the "button" as you call it...with your fist.

A big paw with a hard palm will fairly do the deed. A hammer fist gives some serious force to wrist strikes as well...

Just a thought... You know? A proverbial judo chop for a way to prevent breaking the small bones in your hand...

Or not.

[Michael Wright]

All good sir, all good. I was just trying to answer the question about boxing hands without gloves, god damn my specificity.

[Tant01]

Has anyone ever tipped his head to intentionally hurt your hand?

I've broken fists with my head...

Takes a dedicated swing is all.

You being the pro could easily disengage and throw an uppercut or hook instead...

I just prefer to play it "safe"... Broken bones hurt.

Punch soft targets, Knee or Elbow the harder ones.

[Michael Wright]

That comes down to how you set up the pre-fight.

By the time I'm ready to throw a punch, the person is already mentally and emotionally disarmed, usually (and because of the way I look and act) they have underestimated me, so I play to that. I'm the guy who feigns weakness, who doesn't want trouble, but has already decided than you have crossed the line, and you are a threat.

When I know the time to act comes I will ask a question to engage the person's mid brain, causing confusion, and giving me a window of entry. The more random the better. "Did you fuckk my goat?", as taught to me by one of my students, works a treat.

Like I said, the punch will travel no further than 12 inches, from outside of the tunnel vision caused by adrenaline. If your initiaition speed is right and the set up is correct, the only muscle reaction that can respond quickly enough if it sees the blow is the eyelid, closing the eyes as a reflex, and making the job easier.

As I say to people all the time, there is a lot more to self protection than punches and kicks.

[GQchris]

How can I strengthen my knuckles to decrease my risk of breakage? Hitting a bucket full of sand perhaps? I saw a picture of Sifu Bruce Lee doing this, and we all no no one can %#@* with Bruce.

I just want to be ready in case someone wants to get Stupid when I am with my girl out on the town, the last thing I want is to embarass myself in front of my girl.

[glendanfig]

Originally Posted by GQchris

I just want to be ready in case someone wants to get Stupid when I am with my girl out on the town, the last thing I want is to embarass myself in front of my girl.

dont worry man as long as u remember your training you will b ok. anyone that starts shit for no reasons is a dumbass and chances are they anit never trained so ull be fine.

watch this

can u tell who trains and who doesnt?

[GQchris]

lol, those two dudes got PW3ND

[bodhisattva]

Originally Posted by GQchris

Yes, that's generally what I have heard too, like palm strikes, but I am not currently training in arts like that right now, and wouldn't know how to properly deliver one. I am currently training at a Muay Thai/ Boxing gym.

You don't have to train any style to learn to use open hands. Just use your punches and open your hand.

But still hit closed fist to the body.

[bodhisattva]

Originally Posted by Tant01

I'm sure you have experimented with open hand atemi? Finger jabs?

The finger jab can be found in Judowaza if you look? That's for soft tissue targets primarily the trachea and eyes but the open hand gives you other options that are (IMO) no less effective than hitting the "button" as you call it...with your fist.

A big paw with a hard palm will fairly do the deed. A hammer fist gives some serious force to wrist strikes as well...

Just a thought... You know? A proverbial judo chop for a way to prevent breaking the small bones in your hand...

Or not.

I always liked the thumb more than the fingerjab.

Hammer fists are great for turning the chin whether in stand up or while grandfighting. You can really get a guys head to spin with a good hammerfist at the jawline.

[shaolin-warrior]

I always liked the thumb more than the fingerjab.

Hammer fists are great for turning the chin whether in stand up or while grandfighting. You can really get a guys head to spin with a good hammerfist at the jawline.

MY favorite kempo technique is the hammer fist block to a back fist to the head. I want to break the guys wrist with the first block. I'm getting to old to stand there and trade blows with someone. Plus I hate getting hit.......