vertical or horizontal punching???

[wild child]

Any thoughts on which is the best way to deliver a punch, or do you combine the two ?

Are there particular pro's and con's of each?

thanks for your views.

wild child

[KC Elbows]

We do both in some of our external stuff. I think both are useful at the right times.

[MightyB]

Sometimes it's better to use a vertical fist. Sometimes it's better to use a horizontal fist. There's not much more to it.

[Brett Again]

We use both. I've always found that my wrist feels somehow sturdier and better aligned when I use a horizontal punch at levels below my sternum, vertical punch at levels sternum and higher.

I'm not sure why this is... it might just be psychological.

[fa_jing]

What about the punch that's halfway between vertical and horizontal? We use that one too.
Basically, my opinion is that in Kung Fu, you keep the elbows down when possible. So vertical is the logical option. As you punch to a lower target, it may be more natural to go with the flatter fist.
-FJ

[logic]

It all depends on where your are punching,which punch your better at,which one your most comfortable with.

For a jab thrust punch to the face,chest area,I use a horizontal punch. (to the throat a horizontal panther strike)If I'm throwing a quick hook punch to the side of the head or rib cage area I'll use a vertical fist.

Also which one do you practice more or favor.
I feel more comfortable and favor the horizontal punch, but I'm good at both.

[Water Dragon]

I'm pretty much strictly vertical. Of course, my punches are designed to do specific things. If you know "why" you're punching, the question will probably answer itself.

[mantis108]

I think we have went over these before. You might want to do a search in the old posts.

Anyway, a breif recap.

Horizontal- great for "cutting" and generally powerful outside lines and centerline.

Vertial- great for trapping (speed and efficiency wise) and best to work with the centerline.

Mantis108

[JWTAYLOR]

If you make a full extension of your arm I think you will find the horizontal punch lines up the arm better to withstand and dish out force.

At a shorter range, more than 90degrees but less than 180 you will likely find that a verticle fist provides for a more propper body alignment.

JWT

[fiercest tiger]

horizontal to me is deadlier because of the corkscrew method when dealing with dim mak striking.

[Water Dragon]

JWT s correct

[Wingman]

Wing chun is better known for its vertical punch and its linear strikes. But wing chun has also circular strikes like the hook or comet punch. The horizontal punch is used when doing circular strikes like a hook or a comet punch.