[dandaman208]

Hey guys,
I've recently taken up learning Muay Thai and I've been training for awhile. The gym that I learn at never really taught us the specifics such as making a correct fist and where to contact with. I've been researching it abit my self lately, and I'm reading that you should contact with your knuckles (which ones is debated) and the wrist and arm should be in alignment.

I agree with having a straight wrist, although I am having alot of trouble. It seems for me, if I punch with a straight wrist, the first point of contact is always my small finger knuckle on my index finger (you know the little knuckle thats close to the tip of your finger). Whenever I clench my fist and look at it from the side, that small fore-knuckle always sticks out way past my primary striking knuckles. This is a problem, because the only way I can contact with my knuckles is by bending my wrist downwards, and this seems dangerous to me as my wrist is out of alignment.

Is this a technique error or is my index finger simply too long or out of shape? It causes me pain when training on a heavy bag often, can I still punch correctly or is my hand structure wrong?

 

[coldcall420]

Weird first post from a 20 sec read i would try punching slightly at a more downward angle and you want to be landing with you knuckles....the ones right at the top of your fingers by where they meet your hand with the correct alighnment....

 

[LOJ]

You punch straight out and turn your fist over at the last second. This complies with a jab and a straight right. This is what I was tought from boxing anyways.

Bascially if your boxing, don't throw punches like Chuck Liddell.

 

[dandaman208]

You punch straight out and turn your fist over at the last second. This complies with a jab and a straight right. This is what I was tought from boxing anyways.

Bascially if your boxing, don't throw punches like Chuck Liddell.

By turn it over, what exactly do you mean?

And Coldcall, thats not really an option since most effective punches are thrown to the head. I know I have to punch with those knuckles but because my finger sticks out sort of I can't connect with a straight wrist

 

[North]

It sounds like you're just not making a tight enough fist. Your index finger most likely isn't "too long" or anything, it's just that you're not accustomed to making a really tight fist, and so you're having trouble getting it right.

Seriously, just talk to your instructor about it. It'd pretty ridiculous to be paying for a class and not understanding the basics. Don't be embarrassed about asking questions, the teachers are there to teach afterall, and you're there to get your learn on.

Best of luck with it.

 

[G_Land]

I would much rather ask my instructor instead of walking around in a cast with a broke hand and or wrist..which is very possible.

 

[dandaman208]

It sounds like you're just not making a tight enough fist. Your index finger most likely isn't "too long" or anything, it's just that you're not accustomed to making a really tight fist, and so you're having trouble getting it right.

Seriously, just talk to your instructor about it. It'd pretty ridiculous to be paying for a class and not understanding the basics. Don't be embarrassed about asking questions, the teachers are there to teach afterall, and you're there to get your learn on.

Best of luck with it.

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll definetly ask my teacher. I ask now because I'm not sure when I will see him next and I'm looking to do some bag work till then.

My fist looks alot like this from the side, https://www.kachi-do.com/images/catimages/Tok-Fist-Pad-2.jpg
See how it protrudes alot? I cant seem to tuck it in any further. Is this normal?

Also, any suggestions if sometimes bag work seems to be hurting my hand? Ive got proper wraps and gloves, I'm pretty sure it's just my technique

 

[CFT_Ian]

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll definetly ask my teacher. I ask now because I'm not sure when I will see him next and I'm looking to do some bag work till then.

My fist looks alot like this from the side, https://www.kachi-do.com/images/catimages/Tok-Fist-Pad-2.jpg
See how it protrudes alot? I cant seem to tuck it in any further. Is this normal?

Also, any suggestions if sometimes bag work seems to be hurting my hand? Ive got proper wraps and gloves, I'm pretty sure it's just my technique

Well that's simple... his wrist is bent in that picture and an example of how NOT to look when you strike, the back of your hand should be flat making a straight line with your forearm. You hit anything with it bent up like that you will break your damned wrist.

If your hand and fore arm are in line you will hit with the correct knuckles, your wrist will be braced properly and you will hurt yourself less.

 

[dandaman208]

Wow....my idea of straight was totally fucked. I was aligning the bottom of my hand with my forearm in a straight line and not the top, and getting something wacked like in that picture. Man I'm stupid. Thanks for the reply.

Just one more question. I know it's been asked alot, but my finger still pokes out just a little. Its much easier to connect with my 3 outside knuckles (pinky, forefinger, middle finger), rather than my inside two (pointer/middle), however it seems when I do this my wrist is bent inwards slightly. If I connect with my inside two because my finger is in the way my wrist is bent downwards slightly. Which would be the better option? Thanks for all the help

 

[CFT_Ian]

well, I know in isshinryu when we make our fist and strike we are supposed to strike with the pointer and middle finger knuckles.

In order to do this after you get yourself all closed fisted and your wrist lined up correctly, and now this is the odd part.

look at your fist from the top down, staring at the back of your hand. now bend it away from you until The knuckles of your first two fingers line up with your fore arm bones.

It puts them a little bit more forward than your other knuckles, and your wrist is still braced properly.

I really gotta find a picture. or something

 

[xeberus]

By turn it over, what exactly do you mean?

And Coldcall, thats not really an option since most effective punches are thrown to the head. I know I have to punch with those knuckles but because my finger sticks out sort of I can't connect with a straight wrist

Okay when your guard is up your thumbs are pointing towards/semi towards your face? Yet when you jab/straight punch they will be pointing either left or right? On the way to making contact you turn your fist to get that last bit of pop out of it.


You ALWAYS want to hit with index/middle finger knuckle. They can take a ton more abuse and break a lot less, trust me I've found this out the hard way. (its what every boxing guy will tell you, and they are right on the money)

As far as your wrist goes, straight. I'd really need to be like next to you to show you what straight is for you. But if its not straight your going to hurt your wrist/hand.