what knuckles?

[twtguy]

My hole life, everyone always told me to use my middle and index finger to punch. I read a book by Mark Hatmaker called Boxing Mastery, and he says forget all that and use your middle, ring, and pinky fingers to punch. He says one must use these fingers for proper skeletol alignment.

I told my instructor this, and he decided to test it. He had us do pushups on our knuckles. The first set were with the index and middle fingers. The second set of pushups were on the middle, ring, and pinky fingers. He then asked us which set of pushups hurt the most. The majority said that the index and middle fingers hurt the most. I figured that if they hurt, then there is a reason for it. Maybe we are suppose to use our middle, ring, and pinky fingers to punch.

What do you guys think? Do you have any information on this? Do you know where I can research this? Any help is much appreciated.

[seanyseanybean]

Interesting point. I am taught to use the first two knuckles as they stick out and are sharp.
I think there is another thread of this though, i will look for it...

[seanyseanybean]

here you guy,

http://defend.net/deluxeforums/showthread.php?t=17510&highlight=knuckles

double thread i'm afraid.

[twtguy]

wow...I didnt even see that one. The only problem with these is that they are all opinions. No one backed it up with a source or any evidence of any kind. Isnt there a way we can find out?

(I also posted this in the boxing forum. I figured these were the best two to ask.)

[Khun Kao]

I've been taught both ways, though predominantly with the 1st two knuckles. Jack Dempsey punched with the last 3....

[JkD187]

Hatmaker is DEF the real deal....he is an excellent fighter/coach and all of his material is A+....you could try it by hitting the heavybag bare knuckle with the last 3 knuckles...but then again thats not to much evidence either.

[Ryukyu Damashi]

Damn Khun Kao, your quick!

[twtguy]

Hatmaker is DEF the real deal....he is an excellent fighter/coach and all of his material is A+....you could try it by hitting the heavybag bare knuckle with the last 3 knuckles...but then again thats not to much evidence either.

I do enjoy his book. He has interesting melodies for things. He also says to stear away from bobbing and weaving. Do any of you agree with this?

[JkD187]

It really depends on the situation....if its nhb...muay thai or the street then yes....you can cach a nice knee to the face or get caught in a front headlock...or a guillotein choke.

[Ryukyu Damashi]

Bobbing and weaving has it's time and place in Muay Thai. If you are going to do it be sure your head does not travel past your lead foot. If it does you are just asking to get kicked or kneed in the head.

Bobbing and weaving came about as a result of the adoption of the Marquess of Queensberry rules. In the older London rules bobbing and weaving would not have been wise.

Rolling under hooks and slipping straight punches is much safer.