Straight Punch with Retreat

A straight punch, particularly a jab, can be given in retreat.

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance, facing the attacker.

The attacker takes a step toward you. Simultaneously send a left punch while moving your right foot back, pushing off with your left foot.

As the punch recoils, bring your left foot back to recover into a fighting stance.

Tips: The punch may also be performed with a slight duck to avoid an incoming punch.

Variation: To make a cross while retreating, you will need to retreat first, plant your feet, and then punch. This requires more precise timing than a jab, making it a bit more complex.

Straight Punch Low

A straight punch can be delivered low—to the midsection or even to the groin. While the basic low punch is the same as a regular straight punch, special considerations require that this punch be practiced separately.

This punch can be made in attack or in defense; see Straight Punch with Advance (page 33) and Straight Punch with Retreat (page 34) for further details.

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance.

Begin a standard straight punch. As you punch, send your fist low while dropping your body by bending at the waist and knees. Do not leave your head up while punching down—this would leave you too exposed. Do not simply drop your body down before sending the punch—this telegraphs the movement.

Retreat or continue with a further attack. Do not stay down and in front where your opponent can easily punch or knee your head.

Tips: As with any punch, send your shoulder forward to add weight. This is especially important with a low punch because you need to create a reaction in the opponent that inhibits his ability to counterpunch while your head is low.

Practice tucking your chin and bringing your shoulder up to protect your jaw.

Practice retreating up and out to avoid counterpunches. Also practice continuing with further attacks.

Hammerfist to the Side

Hammerfist to the side may be practiced from a fighting stance or a passive stance. Because it is often used in reaction to a surprise attack, we generally present the strike from a passive stance first.

Starting Position: Passive stance.

Move your left hand sideways and upward, elbow slightly bent. As your hand moves toward its target, rotate your hip and shoulder. Tuck your chin. Your rising arm should cover you as well as strike. Pivot your outside foot and step in toward your target to make sure weight is being transferred into the punch.

On contact, your elbow should still be somewhat bent. The bent elbow should pass your target to help the punch penetrate; it also helps prevent hyperextension of the joint.

Tips: Add torque by rotating the fist: At the beginning of the punch, the back of the hand faces the target. Just before contact, rotate the meaty part of your hand out to make contact. As with all punches, you should recoil after striking.