Unique Yet Vicious Closed-Fist Punches

By Mike Soohey

The closed-fist punch ranks as the most popular and widely utilized handcraft on the fighting art spectrum. Not only is this punch favored, but it is also potent. Experienced Kung Fu artists and full-contact combatants will attest that this hand technique is the most powerful. This attestation likely comes from the proof that these punches are rapid, robust, and highly effective in close-quarter combat.

The straight fore-fist, reverse, and vertical fore-fist punches are the classic closed-fist punch techniques. However, there also exists a list of unique closed-fist punches that should not go unlearned. They are not used as readily as the core punches, making them “unique”. But do not be confused by their lesser use, as they create a destructive force, making them “vicious” and exceedingly efficient in numerous self-defense situations.

The unique closed-fist punch techniques are designed to strike and pinpoint smaller areas of vulnerability. One can use them to strike areas of the body by simply just using different finger and knuckle positions, and this is where these unique but vicious closed-fist punches become advantageous. In many of these punches, the practitioner will also hit with a different knuckle area other than the standard, large base knuckle area used in the classic closed-fist punches.

Mastering the application and timing of unique punch techniques can round out a practitioner’s training and create a smarter fighter. They also add much value to a martial artist’s skill set, as they are relatively easy to learn and the majority of these punches travel in a direct line at an opponent, reaching a target area in just mere moments.

1. The Forefinger One-Knuckle Fist Punch

With the Forefinger One-Knuckle Fist Punch, the practitioner strikes with the forefinger at specified vulnerability points of the face. Create this punch by clenching your fingers as if you were making a normal fore-fist. As you make a fist, keep your fingers tightly locked and then jut the second knuckle of your forefinger outward. This projected finger serves to make a spear-type point. Keep your thumb next to the side of the forefinger for support and added punching strength.

This technique can be driven between an opponent’s eyes. Using this punch type in a vertical fist position is an effective way to use this punch to this small target area as well. Another localized facial area this punch can be targeted at is the philtrum, which makes for an agonizing blow that can quickly end any further advancement from an opponent. Used as a hooking punch, the second knuckle of the forefinger can also be drilled sharply into the temple region. Like the upper lip attack, the hook motion can cause excess pain when delivered strategically with pinpoint accuracy into the soft area of one’s temple. The Kung Fu artist can also choose to thrust this punch strongly into the solar plexus, or even into the neck if their life is in danger. Let’s not forget to mention that delivering this punch to the larynx can prove fatal to a hostile adversary.

Technique: As you make the Forefinger One-Knuckle Fist Punch, keep your fingers tightly locked and then jut the second knuckle of your forefinger outward. This serves to make a spear-type point with this finger. This technique works well when applied to a small, vulnerable area such as the eyes and where the nose meets the upper lip.

2. The Middle Finger One-Knuckle Punch

The Middle Finger One-Knuckle Punch is very similar to the forefinger one-knuckle fist. The difference is that you jut the second knuckle of the middle finger out, making it higher than the other fingers. Once again, it is imperative to keep the other fingers locked tight to support the punching motion of this technique. Depending on which of the first two punches you feel most comfortable with, they are both primarily used to strike the same small areas of vulnerability.

In addition, this punch is also an excellent strike to direct at the inner thigh area. Digging the middle finger into this soft fleshy region is another unbearable blow, and can work to confuse and startle an opponent, forcing them to drop their guard.

Technique: In the Middle Finger One-Knuckle Punch, jut the second knuckle of the middle finger out to make it higher than the other fingers. This higher finger is used to strike small areas of vulnerability, such as the eyes, temple, and inner thigh area.

3. The Dragon Head Fist Punch

Similar to the middle finger one-knuckle punch, the Dragon Head Fist Punch requires the practitioner to extend the knuckles of the forefinger, the middle finger, and the ring finger, with the middle finger positioned slightly higher than the others. This position gives more support to the middle finger as you make contact with a particular area. While almost identical, some practitioners like the added support the forefinger and ring finger give when delivering this fiery Dragon Fist.

Technique: The Dragon Head Fist Punch requires the practitioner to extend the knuckles of the forefinger, the middle finger, and the ring finger, with the middle finger positioned slightly higher than the others. While almost identical to the middle finger one-knuckle punch, this technique gives more support to the middle finger as you make contact with a target.

4. The Four-Knuckle Fist Punch

The Four-Knuckle Fist Punch shouldn’t be confused with the standard clenched fist fore-fist punch. Whereas in the classic straight fore-fist punch that hits with the large base knuckles of the forefinger and middle finger, the contact area with the four-knuckle fist centers on the second knuckles of all four fingers.

With your second set of knuckles jutted out, this tends to position your clenched fist perfectly into the concave-like area that makes up the lower chest and solar plexus region. Another area this punch is suited for is the soft and long fleshy area that runs the length of the neck. This punch should never be used in competition to this region due to the serious injury it can inflict. But, in a do-or-die situation, a punch such as this could be what saves your life. As with the other unique punches, this technique can be used to strike the eyes, temple, chin, groin, kidneys, and inner thighs.

Technique: The contact area with the Four-Knuckle Fist Punch centers on the second knuckles of all four fingers. Your middle finger will be positioned as the outermost point. It can be used to attach with your fist held horizontally or vertically to the solar plexus and neck. The punch positions perfectly into the concave-like area that makes up your lower chest and solar plexus region.

5. The Thumb Knuckle Fist Punch

The Thumb Knuckle Fist Punch is truly a unique punch in that the striking point is centered on the second knuckle of the thumb. To form this technique, close the four fingers tightly as you would a typical fore-fist punch. From here, bend the thumb and press its tip firmly against the second knuckle of the forefinger. As you make this hand position, jut the second knuckle out to the side. This technique is extremely lethal when used to hit the temple or the vulnerable area located below the ear.

When practicing this punch against a bag or focus mitt, keep your fist palm down as you make contact. As with all hand and finger hitting punches, it is best to practice these techniques consistently to toughen the skin areas that cover the various fingers and knuckles being utilized and to strengthen overall hitting force.

Importantly, this technique is effectively delivered from a hooking-type punch motion. From such an application and hitting angle, it can cause much damage when directed at the small area where the nose meets the upper lip, and when pummeled into an adversary’s exposed rib cage.

Technique: The Thumb Knuckle Fist’s striking point is centered on the second knuckle of the thumb. This technique is extremely lethal when applied to the delicate area located below the ear or temple. For this reason, the martial artist should be aware of the punch, but only use it in life-threatening situations.

6. The Hammer Fist Punch

One of the most powerful techniques fitting into the vicious closed fist punch classification is the Hammer Fist Punch. Also referred to as the bottom fist punch, this blow takes advantage of using the thick skin area that makes up the bottom of the fist. To utilize the fierce downward striking motion of this technique, simply clench the fingers tightly as in the basic fore-fist punch. With the fist edge or base facing down, simply raise your striking arm upward and punch downward in a high-powered hammerlike movement into the target.

This strong technique is most effective in striking the top of the head and forehead area. If an opponent comes in low or is in close-quarter range with the head exposed, this is a good time to take advantage of putting this technique to use. This punch is also effective when targeted at the face, especially the area right between the eyes and jaw region. Striking cleanly with your body weight behind this punch, an adversary can be easily knocked unconscious.

Crashing down on the collarbone, chest, and solar plexus are other vulnerable areas that can be seriously damaged by the hammer fist. A vicious downward shot to one’s collarbone can inflict bone-breaking damage as well as a great amount of pain. The hammer fist punch can also be used in an outward hooking motion to forcibly attack the temple, side of the neck, rib area, and even the elbow.

Its laterally outward application can be used to attack lower extremities, such as the kidneys, ribs, groin, and side of the knee. Against an aggressive arm puncher, it can be used to intercept and strongly block an incoming punch, making it an excellent defensive technique. If you are being attacked with wild looping punches, you can use it to break an assailant’s elbow. Against a front or roundhouse kick, a timely lateral hammer fist to the kicking foot or shin can cause bruising damage and blunt pain to the kicking leg. If able to catch the kicking leg, a powerful hammer fist to the top or inside of the thigh can be a disabling blow.

Technique: One of the most powerful martial art techniques is the Hammer Fist Punch. This extremely strong technique is most effective in striking the top of the head and forehead area. If an opponent comes in low or is in close quarter range with his head clearly exposed, this is a good time to take advantage of this forceful blow.

7. The Inverted Fore-fist Punch

The Inverted Fore-fist Punch is the same as the standard fore-fist punch, but it is applied in an upside-down manner. This is a versatile punch, as it can be used to attack in a direct front, low descending, or right-to-left application. In a front attack, the inverted fist differs from an uppercut in that the fist is rotated to the outside at the moment of contact.

A front inverted punch is performed by holding your attacking fist in an inverted position and keeping the elbow close to the body. This can be used as a sly and deceptive punch when aimed to the chin or nose. For close-quarter fighting, the compact shovel movement of the punching hand can catch an opponent by complete surprise.

Directing this technique as a descending or low attack makes for a deceptive punch as well. When cornered or pushed into a tight spot, use it as a quick and sneaky shot to the stomach or ribs of an assailant. If you have more fighting distance to move, feint a high punch with the lead hand and use the inverted fist as a quick shovel punch to the abdomen. This punch can be viciously dug into an opponent’s torso area to accentuate the overall force and hitting power.

It can also be snapped quickly to its original position when attacking with more of a speed punch. If you find your opponent is in a sideways position, it can be drilled into the spleen area. This punch can even be used in a descending manner at the groin and inner thigh area.

Technique: The Inverted Fore-fist Punch is a unique technique in that it is the same as the standard fore-fist punch but applied in an upside-down manner. It can be used to attack in a direct front, low descending, or right-to-left application. For close quarter fighting, the compact shovel movement of the punching hand can catch an opponent by complete surprise. A Front Inverted Fore-fist Punch is performed by holding the attacking fist in an inverted position and keeping the elbow close to the body. This can be used as a very sneaky and deceptive punch when aimed to the chin or nose. In a front attack, the inverted first differs from an uppercut in that the fist is rotated to the outside at the moment of contact.

For Part 2: Unique Yet Vicious Two-Fisted Punches, click here.

About author:

Mike Soohey is a Black Belt Martial Artist from Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He is active in martial arts for 48 years and excels as a trainer and conditioning instructor. Mike has extensive experience in many martial arts disciplines. Mike recently retired from NBC as a professional photojournalist with 40 years of service. He also has been published in many martial arts magazines over the years.

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