Making a fist correctly can make all the difference when it comes to bare knuckle fighting; here’s how.
Start by curling your fingers into the palm of your hand. Next, wrap your index and middle fingers with your thumb ensuring it does not go past them.
Let’s find out how to make a fist in karate!
Fingers
Fingers are at the core of every fist, so making sure they are tight and properly aligned is essential to landing an effective punch. Training your fingers so they form into fists quickly and naturally allows maximum power transfer upon impact.
There are various fist forms, but the most widely utilized is known as the jumeok. To form it, your fingers should be tightly wound into your palm of your hand with your thumb clamped over the middle knuckles; this allows you to strike using only the first joints of your fingers which have greater power than their second joints.
Make a seiken (straight fist). While this form is more complex than its counterpart, the seiken can still be used in much the same manner as a jumeok. With this form, your index and middle fingers should be bent slightly while attached by their thumb; this allows you to leverage stronger knuckles of these two fingers while reaching further than traditional methods.
Another popular fist is the Pyonjumeok, similar to its Korean counterpart but with increased power from second joints of fingers. This type of fist can be used for devastating attacks as well as grappling techniques; its main use however lies with punching techniques or even just scratching targets.
One reason it is essential to learn how to make a proper fist is so as to prevent hand injuries. One effective method for stretching fingers and improving ability to make fist is placing palm down on flat surface then gently straightening fingers against surface – repeat this exercise several times with both hands; it will strengthen muscles of fingers and wrist, making punching much simpler!
Thumb
If your thumb is weak or stiff, forming your fist may prove challenging. To aid this process, begin gently stretching it. This exercise opens up thumb web space while contracting various muscles that contribute to mobility and stability of the thumb. To do this, put your palm down on a flat surface such as a table or bed; lift wrist until stretching sensation is felt; return wrist to starting position; repeat this process several times daily until loosening of thumb occurs.
Bend your thumb across your palm toward the base of your little finger. Even if you can’t reach your pinky, don’t fret: This exercise stretches and opens up its range of motion, helping improve your ability to pick things up with your thumb (such as toothbrushes or pens). To do this, hold out palm-down on a flat surface with fingers flexed downward towards thumb joint; hold this position for 30-60 seconds at least four times with each hand and repeat four times at least.
Sonnal is a form of hand similar to pyonjumeok with one exception – its thumb must be deeply buried into the palm. Primarily utilized in chigi and makki techniques, sonnals are very powerful due to the strong knuckles on index finger and middle finger; however, mastery requires much practice as one needs a straight fist when using this form. Furthermore, its thumb must always remain on an even line with forearm; never upward, downward, inward or outward!
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Palm
Okinawan Karate uses fist strikes in many different ways – palm strikes, punches, kicks, and blocks are just a few examples. A proper fist provides more concentrated power than open hand techniques which tend to be spread out and less effective. A properly formed fist strikes with strong knuckles of index and middle fingers (Phalanges). This helps avoid injury to smaller bones in wrist (Carpals) by spreading impact force evenly.
To achieve this, the thumb should be tucked in, with each fingertip touching the base of its respective knuckle. This will tighten and structure your hand so it can take greater pressure without losing flexibility or control.
Doing “glide” exercises can also help strengthen and stretch out your fist, providing it with maximum power in battle. Gliding exercises involve stretching fingers and thumb against surfaces while simultaneously straightening them out against one. Make sure not to push too hard when stretching them, otherwise this could damage joints. Performing such exercises several times each day and prior to practice will ensure your fist has enough pliability and strength that it gives you maximum advantage in battle.
Wrist
The wrist is an essential component of a fist, helping bend the smaller joints in your fingers. While this may be difficult if you have a thick cast, try as best you can and be gentle with yourself when trying. Place your hand palm down on a flat surface with fingers loosely clenched – bend wrist forward and back gently for several repetitions in each hand. Repeat this exercise several times.
If you are having difficulty making a fist, the issue could lie with either your wrist or thumb. Rheumatoid arthritis is also known to impede fist formation; this inflammatory condition causes joint linings to swell and lead to pain and stiffness in hands resulting in difficulty. For this reason it’s crucial that if this issue persists it be assessed and treated by medical professionals immediately.
Stretch the tendons in your fingers and wrist to increase range of motion in your fingers and thumb. Extend your right arm out straight, as though you were shaking someone’s hand. Move your thumb towards the base of your little finger before shifting it across your palm towards its base on pinky finger; hold this position for 30-60 seconds before switching hands and repeat.
Repeat this movement with your other thumb. Regular practice of these exercises is key to improving your hand use and flexibility, whether sitting or standing; even just five or ten minutes done twice daily should suffice. Please avoid pushing through pain – when uncomfortable stop when necessary; additionally consult with a healthcare provider first if embarking on any new hand exercises at home; they can often recommend other forms of exercises which can increase flexibility at home.
