Techniques>Punches>Fist clenching

↩ Back

Fist clenching

Intro

Fist clenching is the sudden tightening of the fist just before impact with the target. Early boxers, such as Jack Dempsey and Bob Fitzsimmons, were proponents of this type of punching.

How to clench

For speed of arm movement, the fist should remain relaxed and not clinched until just before it reaches its target. To help with punching speed and quick movements, when the arms are held in the guard position, the fists should be closed but relaxed. When a punch is fired, the fist stays relaxed and loose until just before the moment of impact, at which point the fist is suddenly clinched very tightly and the arm, shoulder, and body are tensed. This movement suddenly locks the body from fist-to-foot and permits the maximum transfer of power into the target and ensures the target absorbs the impact rather than the person punching.

When to clench

We all know the fist should be clinched at impact, but when should it be clinched?

Beginners should probably clench the fist all the time. Intermediate students should begin to try to clench the fist at impact. High ranking students should have the timing and distancing skills necessary to choose the proper moment to clench the fist, so that safety is not a concern and they can benefit from the total relaxation provided by a loose hand.

During sparring drills, many high ranks like to keep their fists loose even on impact, so they can actually touch the opponent without injuring them. After long years of training, a black belt should be able to easily choose when to clench the fist or to keep it relaxed.

↩ Back