Palm strikes to the head

[Maxximus]

Reading the recent topic regarding the dangers of punching to the head in a street encounter has gotten me curious about the possibility of palm strikes as an alternative. I know that certain styles of Gung fu advocate "iron palm" training and teach palm strikes as knock out power attacks. So I was wondering what evryone's opinion on this was. From what you've seen or experienced, do any type of palm strike techniques have knock out power?

[Evilution]

Some MMA competitions don't allow closed fist striking to the head, only palm strikes. I've seen these guys beat on each other pretty hard so I'd say it's a definite option that can be effective.

[quietanswer]

went on in the bjj/mixed martial arts forum. go check it.. it's called OPEN HAND STRIKES i believe..

i think you'll find what we have disucssed useful..perhaps.

[Underdog]

If you are concerning about palm strikes in streetfighting, you must consider that a "slap" is way more effective than a real MA palm strike. That's because you use absence of tension and speed to build momentum, this create a VERY powerful blow. Sure, the slap didn't cut as a punch does but it STUN and hurt as hell. From what I've experimented, a slightly downward slap aimed at the cheek or collarbone, done with your front hand, is your best bet on the street, it may be left you somewhat open but you'll build an awesome amount of momentum for a rear cross.

[Water Dragon]

If anyone's interested, I just posted how I was taught to do them in the Open head Strikes post on the BJJ board. Even if you don't agree with 'em, you can at least get an idea on how they are taught from a CMA perspective.

[gungfuhero]

Panantukan and Savate Defense both utilize palm strikes/slaps. In the little panantukan I've experienced, I've seen a lot of power developed with a slap. One of my Jun Fan instructors showed me some cool ways to box w/ my palms as well.

[ECS]

Hello Maxximus,

I have long been an advocate of palm striking to the head in street altercations. They are EXTREMELY effective as you are less likely to injure or break a bone.

During a street fight years ago, when throwing a lead hook at my opponent, I made impact just about the same time he started to duck, and the blow landed just above his ear toward the back of his head.

Luckily, the fight was broken up very quickly, and I didn't do more damage to my hand, but the in that one slight miss I broke three bones in the back of my hand, and dislocated half of one of them. No, I didn't notice until the next day (God bless adrenaline!), but I did notice for about the next 4 months.

Now that I am training more often using the palms, I find myself free to hit as hard as I want without the fear of another cast! And landing a good palm-heel hook to the head has a nice, comfortable feel to it! It rings bells!!!

As well, I've taken a few palm hooks to the head and ear, and I know they hurt, and sometimes cause a bit of leg wobble, so I know they're effective.

I say switch between fists and palms every workout, and spar with bare palms every few weeks, using about 70% power!
After awhile, you'll love them!