View source for Punch (combat)

{{short description|Striking blow with the closed fist}}
{{Redirect|Knuckle sandwich|the video game|Knuckle Sandwich (video game)|other uses|Knuckle Sandwich (disambiguation)}}
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{{Infobox martial art term
| title    = Punch
| pic      = Gus Ruhlin, who is after the world championship.jpg
| piccap   = A [[jab]] by a boxer preparing for a championship fight
}}
A '''punch''' is a [[strike (attack)|striking]] blow with the [[fist]]. It is used in most [[martial art]]s and [[combat sport]]s, most notably western [[boxing]], where it is the only type of offensive technique allowed. In [[sport]]s, [[hand wrap]]s or other padding such as gloves may be used to protect athletes and practitioners from injuring themselves.<ref>{{cite web | publisher = Ringside.com | url = http://www.ringside.com/WrapYourHands.aspx | title = The Proper Way to Wrap Your Hands | access-date = 2007-07-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070426032249/http://www.ringside.com/WrapYourHands.aspx <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-04-26}}</ref><ref>Ballard, Willie L. "[http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5295269.html Portable Hand Wrap]" Mar 22. 1994. Retrieved on June 29, 2007.</ref>

The use of punches varies between different martial arts and combat sports. Styles such as western boxing, [[Suntukan]] or [[Russian fist fighting]] use punches alone, while others such as [[kickboxing]], [[Muay Thai]], [[Lethwei]] or [[karate]] may use both punches and [[kick]]s. Others such as [[wrestling]] (excluding [[professional wrestling]]) and [[judo]] (punches and other striking techniques, [[atemi]], are present in judo kata, but are forbidden in competitions) do not use punches at all. There are many types of punches and as a result, different styles encompass varying types of punching techniques.

== Basic types ==
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This is not a comprehensive list of all punches and may need to be updated, due to the large diversity of schools of practice whose techniques, employing arm, shoulder, hip and leg work, may invariably differ.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Name
!Description
|-

|-
|Backfist
|A backfist is performed by forming a fist and striking with the backside of the fist.<ref>{{cite book|last=Oyama|first=Masutatsu|title=Mas Oyama's Classic Karate|year=2004|publisher=Sterling; Chrysalis (distributor)|location=New York: London|isbn=1-4027-1287-1|others=Translated by Tomoko Murakami|pages=16–17}}</ref> A ''spinning backfist'' is performed when the attacker swivels 360 degrees before landing the punch, adding extra momentum to the attack. The fighter will lunge and begin spinning toward the side of the opponent of which fist they will attack with. Simpler terms, go to the left, spin to the left and connect with the left fist and vice versa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifafitness.com/kickbox/upper/backfist.htm |title=IFA Kickboxing Library |at=Spinning Backfist |website=International Fitness Association |access-date=2011-11-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629174843/http://www.ifafitness.com/kickbox/upper/backfist.htm |archive-date=2016-06-29 |url-status=dead |first=Tony |last=Carr}}</ref>
|-
|Casting Punch
|This is a punch used in [[Sambo (martial art)|Sambo]] and [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]] that starts with a forward motion of the shoulders, which causes the bent arm to whip forward to the opponent. This punch can often cause the opponent to be put in a clinch if it misses at close range. Due to its purported origin, it is known as "Russian hook" in Japan.<ref>{{cite book|last=Sayama |first=Satoru |authorlink=Satoru Sayama|title=Sayama's principles for new martial arts (佐山原理 新生武道真陰)|year=2010|publisher=Toho|isbn=9784809408502}}</ref>
|-
|Chain Punch
|A punching attack primarily associated with [[Wing Chun]], where one delivers punches rapidly from close range.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dragoninst.com/blog/what-is-the-wing-chun-punch/|title=What is the Wing Chun Punch?}}</ref>
|-
|Chambered Punch
|A strike commonly performed in karate, kung fu, and tae kwon do, originating from a "chambered" position.
|-
|[[Cross (boxing)|Cross]] or straight
|A direct straight punch similar to the jab, except delivered with the rear hand. Power is generated through the rotation of the hips.<ref>{{cite web|last=Scully|first=John|title=Learn To Box|url=http://www.saddoboxing.com/learn.html|publisher=Saddo Boxing|access-date=25 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020110111353/http://www.saddoboxing.com/learn.html|url-status=live|archive-date=10 January 2002}}</ref>
|-
|Double Axe Handle
|A punch where one puts both their hands together in a fist and then swings them in a motion similar to swinging in axe. Considered a highly ineffective and non-lethal punch, but is still occasionally seen in [[Professional Wrestling]].
|-
|Hammer Fist
|A compacted fist is brought down upon the target, usually using the outside area of the fist.<ref>{{cite book|last=Oyama|first=Masutatsu|title=Mas Oyama's Classic Karate|year=2004|publisher=Sterling; Chrysalis (distributor)|location=New York: London|isbn=1-4027-1287-1|others=Translated by Tomoko Murakami|page=26}}</ref>
|-
|Haymaker
|A punch in which the arm is whipped sideways from the shoulder joint with minimal elbow bend. The name is derived from the motion, which mimics the action of manually cutting hay by swinging a [[scythe]]. The haymaker is considered an imperfect/impure punch, as the angle of approach is unsupported by the remainder of the forearm. Since a haymaker's power is derived completely from weight transfer and momentum instead of muscle contraction, a long windup is required to generate sufficient force. Haymakers, in the form of shoulder punches, are frequently used from a [[Mount (grappling)|mounted position]] in [[mixed martial arts]] as part of the "[[ground and pound]]" method, as the legs cannot be used to generate power. When thrown from standing, these punches leave the person vulnerable to a counter punch during the wind up, if blocked, or if the haymaker misses.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mongold|first=Brian|title=How to Throw a Punch|url=http://www.eazycheezy.net/2010/04/how-to-throw-a-punch-by-guest-author-the-wolf.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429173036/http://www.eazycheezy.net/2010/04/how-to-throw-a-punch-by-guest-author-the-wolf.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 29, 2010|publisher=Eazycheezy.net|access-date=25 June 2012|author2=The Wolf}}</ref> Haymaker is generally considered a street or barfighter's punch, as it is the punch a person is most likely to use if they have not practiced martial arts and has little to no advantages over other punches such as the somewhat similar hook, making its use by trained martial artists rare.
|-
|[[Hook (boxing)|Hook]]
|A punch involving the use of turning to aim toward the side of the head or body. This punch must land using the knuckles and not from a flat fist.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hook Punch Technique|url=http://www.physical-arts.com/training/techniques/mn_hook_punch.html|publisher=Physical-Arts.com|access-date=25 June 2012}}</ref> The hook is generally either thrown palm-down or palm-in.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-21 |title=How To Throw A Hook (Complete Guide) - Sweet Science of Fighting |url=https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/how-to-throw-a-hook/ |access-date=2023-06-18 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|[[Jab]]
|The jab is a straight blow delivered (generally from a distance) with the arm above the lead foot ... The punch is quick and explosive. This punch must land from the very tips of the knuckles and not from a flat fist. " It is generally used for distraction, keeping distance, setting up, and defense.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|title=Jab Punch|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/art-71117|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=29 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013145009/http://www.britannica.com/eb/art-71117/Jab-The-jab-is-a-straight-blow-delivered-with-the|archive-date=13 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jab punch|url=http://www.all-karate.com/140/jab-punch-kizami-zuki|publisher=All-Karate.com|access-date=25 June 2012|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025052854/http://www.all-karate.com/140/jab-punch-kizami-zuki|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|[[Leopard Blow]] (Long Fist)
|By tucking the fingertips against the bottom knuckle of each finger, a long fist is formed. They offer decreased strength but increased reach. The striking surface is also narrower, which allows the fist to dig between ribs and other soft target areas.
|-
|[[Oi-zuki|Lunge Punch]]
|A chambered punch where one steps in and delivers a punch from the same side as the leg that steps in. Though not particularly common in sparring, it is common in [[Karate]] and [[Taekwondo]] [[Form (martial arts)|forms]], where it is known as Oi-Tsuki (追い突き) and Bandae Jireugi (반대 지르기) respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blackbeltwiki.com/oi-zuki|title=Oi-Zuki (Lunge Punch) - Karate Punching Technique}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.taekwondopreschool.com/tutorial_strike3.html|title = Front Hand Middle Punch ( 몸통 반대 지르기 momtong-bandae-jireugi ) &#124; Taekwondo Preschool}}</ref>
|-
|[[One-inch punch]]
|A punch popularized by [[Bruce Lee]], where one delivers a punch an inch away from the target, using the whole body to generate power.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/05/27/the-intriguing-science-behind-bruce-lees-one-inch-punch/| title = The intriguing science behind Bruce Lee's one-inch punch - The Washington Post| newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]}}</ref>
|-
|[[Overhand punch]]
|A semi-circular and vertical punch thrown with the rear hand. It is usually when the opponent is [[Bobbing (boxing)|bobbing]] or [[slipping]]. The strategic utility of the drop relying on body weight can deliver a great deal of power. This punch must land from the very tips of the knuckles and not from a flat fist.
|-
|[[Gyaku-zuki|Reverse Punch]]
|Similar to a lunge punch but one punches with the hand opposite of the stepping leg. Known in [[Karate]] and [[Taekwondo]] as Gyaku-Tsuki (逆突き) and Baro Jireugi (바로 지르기) respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.themartialway.com.au/gyaku-zuki-reverse-punch/|title = Gyaku-zuki (Reverse Punch)| date=8 July 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.taekwondopreschool.com/tutorial_strike4.html|title = Rear Hand Middle Punch ( 몸통 바로 지르기 momtong-baro-jireugi ) &#124; Taekwondo Preschool}}</ref>
|-
|Shovel hook
|A close-range punch that is halfway between a hook and an uppercut. Shovel hooks are most commonly used to strike the body at a 45-degree angle. For example, a liver shot can be done using a shovel hook.<ref name="liver2">{{Cite web |title=How to Setup and Land a Perfect Liver Shot in Boxing|url=https://evolve-mma.com/blog/how-to-set-up-and-land-a-perfect-liver-shot-in-boxing/|access-date=25 October 2025}}</ref> This punch must land from the very tips of the knuckles and not from a flat fist.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shovel Hook|url=http://www.boxing4free.com/punches/38-shovel-hook.html|publisher=Boxing4Free.com|access-date=25 June 2012}}</ref>
|-
|[[Sucker punch]]
| A punch that takes the enemy by surprise, possibly knocking them out, incapacitating them or severely injuring them. Could be an unexpected blow to the stomach or a strike from behind that the victim did not see coming.<ref name="Tsuji 2017">{{cite web | last=Tsuji | first=Alysha | title=Kickboxing fight ends in chaos with sucker punch KO and fans attacking fighter in ring | website=For The Win | date=10 June 2017 | url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/06/kickboxing-fight-glory-42-groenhart-sucker-punch-ko-grigorian-fans-attack-crazy-video | access-date=23 December 2022}}</ref>
|- 
|[[Superman punch]]
|A '''superman punch''' or '''diving punch''' is a technique used in [[Muay Thai]], ITF-style [[Taekwon-Do]], full contact [[karate]] and [[mixed martial arts]] fighting. The striker will lunge toward the opponent, pushing off with the back foot, punching with the opposite arm of the leg used to push off with although there may be variations in the name and technique, depending on the fighting style. The pose should resemble that of Superman flying through the air, hence the name.
|-
|[[Uppercut]]
|The fist is raised vertically towards the target, usually the head or upper body. Since most guards are held with the arms in a vertical position, the uppercut can be used to avoid the opponent's attempts at blocking. This punch must land from the very tips of the knuckles and not from a flat fist.
|-
|Upset Punch
|Starts with the fist in the chambered position, with the palm facing downwards, delivered to the abdomen or solar plexus.
|-
|}

== Styles ==
[[File:Slow motion abdomen punch.ogv|thumb|alt=A slow motion shows a man getting punched in the abdomen. Ripples spread out from the point of contact as the punched man moves back.|A man being punched in the abdomen.]]
<!--  Commented out: [[File:WilliamsvsKolle24.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A boxer punches his opponent via jabbing.]] -->

=== Boxing ===
{{main|Boxing punches}}
In boxing, punches are classified according to the motion and direction of the strike; contact is always made with the knuckles. There are four primary punches in boxing: the [[jab]], [[Cross (boxing)|cross]], [[Hook (boxing)|hook]], and [[uppercut]].  
[[Image:JJS Karate Kids on Training.jpg|left|thumb|A karateka performing a 'reverse punch' or [[gyaku zuki]] being performed by two young boys.]]

=== Karate ===
Punching techniques in [[karate]] are called ''[[tsuki]]'' or ''zuki''. Contact is made with the first two knuckles (''seiken'').<ref>{{cite book|last=Oyama|first=Masutatsu|title=Mas Oyama's Classic Karate|year=2004|publisher=Sterling; Chrysalis (distributor)|location=New York: London|isbn=1-4027-1287-1|others=Translated by Tomoko Murakami|page=13}}</ref> If any other part of the hand is used to strike with, such as the back of the fist (''uraken'') or the bottom of the fist (''tetsui''), then the blow is classified as a [[strike (attack)|strike]] (uchi).

Karate punches include the thrust punch ''[[Oi zuki|oi-zuki]]'' made using the lead-hand, straight punch ''[[choku-zuki]]'', reverse punch ''[[gyaku-zuki]]'', made from the opposite (lead) hand, and many other variations.<ref>{{cite book|last=Funakoshi|first=Gichin|title=Karate-dō Nyūmon: The Master Introductory Text|year=1994|publisher=Kodansha International|location=Tokyo|isbn=4-7700-1891-6|others=Translated by John Teramoto|pages=51–52, 64–65}}</ref>
{{clear}}
==Gallery==
<gallery>
Seiken.png|Seiken
Brawl.jpg|A brawl is a large scale fist fight
Lead hand uppercut.jpg|An American soldier demonstrating an [[uppercut]]
</gallery>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links  ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Punches}}
* {{cite news|url=http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=74|work=[[Kung Fu Magazine]]|title=One punch-The Wing Chun Warrior's Attack Strategy}}
* [https://www.expertboxer.com/how-to-punch-harder-in-a-street-fight/ How to punch harder in a street fight]

{{Boxing}}
{{Kung fu schools}}
{{Karate schools}}
{{Martial arts}}

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[[Category:Punches (combat)| ]]
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