Many students have a problem controlling the strength of their wrists. This is not an uncommon challenge, in particular, for beginners. It is also a continuous problem even as the student advances.
The wrist, when supporting a fist, isn’t easy to control. In fact, it is probably the most difficult area of the body to control when it comes to supporting impact. Without the perfect alignment required, the wrist can easily “roll” or “fold” which hyper-extends the ligaments supporting the wrist/fist.
While using a fist has been a kung fu tradition since day one, there are also many other ways in kung fu to use the hand which are much more stable and, frankly, more powerful; and, without the risk of breaking the wrist.
Palm Heal:
This is an excellent technique and the wrist is extremely strong in this position. A common target of this technique would be the chin of the opponent – in a upward/striking motion. The butt of the palm is the contact area.
Ridge Hand:
The ridge hand shape is perfect for quite a variety of strikes including ones to the body or head. The base of the head (mastoid) by the neck is a perfect area to utilize this technique though you have to be aware that this is a very dangerous technique for the opponent and you could paralyze and/or kill him. Be sure you are in real danger before you use this kind of move.
Knife Hand:
This is another technique that has lots of potential and applications. It can be used on the body or head; or, really, anywhere. This is a substantial technique that has excellent support through out the arm.
Ox Jaw:
A very unique technique, the ox jaw can be used on many areas of the opponent’s body. It’s a bit tricky as you could easily hyper extend the elbow (same as with the ridge hand) and you have to be careful not to do that. It’s a strong area of the wrist but it shouldn’t be used against bone or hard surfaces.
In the end, if you use a fist, be sure that you have lined up your arm properly and remember to use your muscles to support the wrist during impact. This is a move that has to be trained well and thrown mindfully. That is why boxers wrap their wrists — their only weapon is the punch and they know for sure how easy it is to “roll” it and damage the joint.
Try some of the alternative techniques. See how you like them. Become familiar with where to apply them on the opponent’s body. As you get more comfortable with them, you will have less need to use the riskier punch.
This is EXTREMELY helpful!!! Thank you so much.
Hi Micki…
Thanks!
This IS very helpful! Thank you! And great timing for me personally because I was able to break a board with my palm. It wasn’t easy because I couldn’t do it when my mind wasn’t focused. But the difference in the roll of the wrist between palm and punch was extremely noticeable for me. Another important thing you hit on is the fold… the fold gives you the power.
-Bones
This is SO TRUE! As I teach more, I start to see the natural tendencies of more and more students. In the context of this blog, I see many students who do reverse punches that would injure the wrist if used against a board or a bag or anything that would generate impact. I correct in class, but by the next class the wrist is back to being bent one way or another. For me, this was a lesson that stuck with me from when I trained briefly as a teenager- the shape of the “snaked” fist: elbow down, front two knuckles leading and aligned with the wrist, fist tilted, etc. I suppose this comes with repetition and is difficult to just show someone.
Also, the punch is in so many places of our forms and designated techniques that it is acknowledged a useful tool. So, I have to train myself to get away from using a punch which could damage the wrist- to an ox jaw, ridge hand or knife hand.