Striking Form: Movement No. 4- Reverse Punch and Vertical Back Fist

Hello and welcome back, everyone.

Today we look at this movement in our Striking Form.

Shaolin students would probably call it "Black Tiger and Stopping Fist". Karate students may say I stole this from Heian / Pinan Nidan (although I have recently learnt that some styles actually call it Pinan Shodan...). 

 

A demonstration of the move is here below:

When we attack first it is better to attack a target that is opening up than one that is closing. We know that by now, right?

We are all familiar with opening up the body with a jab to the face. As the opponent's guard raises his ribs open up and we can take the shot.

Well- now we have a way to open up the face...

Unless the opponent sidesteps one of two things will happen. Either he will get hit or he will block the punch to his midsection. If he retreats in a straight line he will get hit anyway...

Now... if the punch does connect the opponent is likely to drop his arms in response to the pain. That opens up his nose to get broken with the vertical backfist.

If the opponent blocks the punch his hands will be lowered and the way for the back fist to the opponent's face will be cleared.

Attacks that draw an opponent's defense from one direction to the exact opposite are very effective.

This is why I recommend that we pay attention to what our opponent does when we attack instead of just blindly flying in with a flurry of punches.  The trick is to get the opponent to move and to use that movement against him. This is much better than just swinging and hoping for the best, isn't it?

What kind of combinations do you like to use to set an opponent up for your strike and then to take it?

I 'll look for your answers in this blog's comment section and on my Facebook page.

Until next week- Stay well and train hard! :)