| The good old fashioned Karate punch-or, the | | | | than tensing your arm the entire time, which works |
| Horizontal or "Reverse" punch, is one of the most | | | | against you-and ends up more of a push than a strike. |
| popular and abundant techniques in the martial arts. | | | | Another vital thing to remember is to ALWAYS focus |
| Different versions of it are use by boxers, Kung Fu | | | | the impact onto you first two knuckles-NOT your last |
| practitioners, Jujutsuka, and, of course, Karateka. | | | | three. The last three will most likely break, which is |
| Although it's not the most versatile of hand strikes, it | | | | known as a "Boxer's Fracture". But the first two are |
| packs a lot of power-and is relatively simple to learn | | | | much stronger. |
| and execute. Mastering this punch could be a valuable | | | | Power Generation |
| addition to your arsenal as a martial artist. | | | | When jabbing the body moves slightly to the opposite |
| Proper Technique | | | | direction of the strike to propel it outwards--sometimes |
| Hold your fists clenched (palm facing up) just under | | | | drawing extra power from pressure on the front leg. |
| your armpit, elbows straight back, in the chamber | | | | This is a quick strike, and doesn't necessarily hold your |
| position. Using your elbow-and allowing your shoulder | | | | full striking power. |
| to stay relaxed and unmoved-move your fist forward | | | | The cross (striking with the back hand) is the punch |
| while still keeping the palm facing up. During this time, | | | | that usually holds the real power. In order to draw |
| your arm should slant slightly downward, so that your | | | | power, shoot pressure from your back leg up through |
| fist is just barely under your shoulder in height. Just | | | | your hips. Your hips will flick forward, launching your |
| before your arm fully extends (or before hitting your | | | | punch out. When you make contact-keeping the notes |
| target) twist your fist around so the back is facing up. | | | | on technique in mind while executing it-turn you entire |
| Do not fully extend your arm. | | | | torso into it for added strength. Putting your whole |
| Make sure that your arm is completely relaxed until the | | | | body behind an attack is what will help deal some real |
| moment of impact, where you tense and release all of | | | | damage. |
| the energy. This is much more efficient and powerful | | | | |