Want to increase your punching power? Contrary to popular belief, punching power or power punching is not predicated on just size, strength or body weight. There are many other factors that come into play when throwing a power punch. As a matter of fact, one crucial factor of punching power is learning to develop proper punching technique or "body mechanics" and it can be accomplished through professional training. Remember, when it come to punching power you must be capable of striking your opponent with knock out force. To put in bluntly, You have got to hit him hard!

Punching Power and the Martial Arts
Punching power separate the men from the boys and when it comes to the true art of delivering a power punch there's a lot of misinformation out there. For example, the power punching techniques of karate are static, mechanical and lack the fluidity for overall efficiency. While at the same time, the punching power mechanic used in boxing and mixed martial arts often lack the bone shattering force necessary to knock out a powerful opponent. Believe it or not, some martial arts claim that power punching can be achieved from your inner chi! If power punching is important to you, then here are some tips and suggestions from my Contemporary Fighting Arts self defense system that will dramatically increase punching power. In conjunction, I would also like to recommend my Power Punching DVD.

POWER PUNCHING AND THE HEAVY BAG

The heavy bag or "punching bag" is the best piece of equipment for developing your punching power. Many boxing and martial arts equipment manufacturers make excellent heavy bags that can withstand the most punishing of blows. Remember, if you are looking to increase punching power for self defense purposes do not train on anything less than 75 pounds. When it comes to punching bags, the heavier the better!

Here are some points to keep in mind when developing punching power on the heavy bag, however if you are not familiar with heavy bag training you might want read how to use a punching bag.

Stay balanced when power punching on the heavy bag. Always maintain proper punching form and do not overextend your body when delivering punches and strikes. Losing your balance when delivering a power punch can be disastrous in a self defense situation. Always keep your feet directly under yourself and control your body when your transfer weight.

Be mobile and avoid the tendency to remain stationary when working out on the heavy bag. This doesn't mean that you have to dance around the punching bag like Muhammad Ali or Sugar Ray Leonard, just move around strategically and vary the speed and direction of your footwork.

Stay relaxed and try to avoid tensing your muscles when punching the bag. Tensing your muscles will significantly slow you down, lead to a possible injury and telegraph you power punch to your opponent.

Throw different "logical" combinations on the punching bag and avoid delivering one power punch at a time. Learn to harmoniously integrate your kicks, punches and strikes into devastating and logical compound attacks that you would apply in a realistic self defense situation. This means that you must know and understand the various ways of exploiting your assailants physiological reactions dynamics. Essentially, the only true way to maximize your compound attack techniques is to know how your opponent will react to your power punches before they are ever delivered. If you would like to learn more about exploiting your opponent's reaction dynamics in a fight, see my Blitzkrieg In The Streets DVD.

Take your time when performing power punches on the heavy bag. Full-force power punches are unforgiving on your hands, wrist, and arms. One mistake by skeletal misalignment could instantly spell disaster for you. Always remember to progressively build up your intensity and power over a period of time. Hitting the heavy bag too hard and too soon can quickly lead to a serious hand or arm injury.

If you would like to learn more about using the heavy bag to increase your punching power, see my book 1001 Street Fighting Secrets: The Principles of Contemporary Fighting Arts and my Heavy Bag Training DVD.

Don't Forget These Important Power Punching Rules!

Punching Power Rule #1: DON'T LOCK YOUR ELBOWS. When throwing linear punches, be certain not to lock your elbows. Elbow locking is a common problem among martial art novices. When delivering a linear blow, your arm should be extended toward its target until the elbow is not more than three inches short of full extension. After contact is made with the target, the fist is returned back to the hand guard position. Remember, if your elbow locks upon impact, it will have a pushing effect and rob you of critical punching power.

Punching Power Rule #2: USE YOUR THREE POWER GENERATORS. When executing hand techniques from a stationary position, there are three anatomical power generators that will allow you to torque your body maximally. They include the following: (1) shoulders, (2) hips, and (3) feet. Maximally torquing your body into the blow will increase both the force and penetration of the blow. However, there is a very fine line between power and speed in relation to the three anatomical power generators.

Punching Power Rule #3: YOUR LINE OF INITIATION IS YOUR LINE OF RETRACTION. When executing linear blows (lead straights, rear crosses, finger jabs, palm heels), remember that your line of initiation should always be your line of retraction. Avoid arcing or dropping your blow. Such sloppy body mechanics will throw you off balance, minimize your impact power, and open you up for a possible counterattack. Failing to maintain a straight-line trajectory is usually caused from the following: (1) your elbow does not travel behind your punch, (2) premature wrist torque.

Punching Power Rule #4: DON'T TELEGRAPH YOUR PUNCH. Telegraphing means inadvertently making your intentions known to your assailant. There are many subtle forms of telegraphing that must be avoided in a street fight. Here are just a few: (1) cocking your arm back prior to punching or striking; (2) tensing your neck, shoulders, or arms prior to striking; (3) widening your eyes or raising your eyebrows; (4) shifting your shoulders; (5) grinning or opening your mouth; and (6) taking a sudden and deep breath.

Punching Power Rule #5: KEEP YOUR WRISTS STRAIGHT. When throwing punching tools (circular or linear), make certain your wrists are correctly aligned with your forearm. If your wrist bends or collapses on impact, you will either sprain or break it. Remember, a sprained or broken wrist will put you out of commission immediately when fighting. When used properly, the heavy bag will train you to keep your wrists straight when delivering powerful punches in the heat of battle.

Punching Power Rule #6: TIGHTEN YOUR FISTS ON IMPACT. Remember to tighten your fists upon impact with your selected target. This action will allow your natural body weapon to travel with optimum speed and efficiency, and it will also augment the impact power of your strike.

Punching Power Rule #7: KNOW HOW TO MAKE A PROPER FIST. It's ironic how some of the most experienced street fighters don't know how to make a proper fist. Improper fist clenching can be disastrous for some of the following reasons: (1) you can jam, sprain, or break your fingers; (2) you will destroy wrist alignment, resulting in a sprained or broken wrist; or (3) you'll lose significant power when striking. To make a proper fist, tightly clinch the four fingers evenly in the palm of your hand. Make certain that your thumb is wrapped securely around your second and third knuckles and flexed down toward the wrist.

Remember, developing punching power takes time and lots of effort of your part. It won't come over night, but with determination, commitment and proper training it can be accomplished. If you want to learn more ways to increase punching power, I suggest studying my Power Punching DVD and listening to my Punching Audio book.

Train hard and good luck!

Sammy Franco Founder & President Contemporary Fighting Arts

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