palm strikes?

[Adam]

I have experimented with them a bit myself, but I don't see any combative advantages of using palm strikes over fist strikes, except maybe for saving the knuckles abuse and sending shock waves into heavily muscled opponents. When should a palm strike be used, if at all?

[Bon]

You can definitely save yourself some damage compared to punching I guess, but considering I don't train them or like the technique much, that's all IMO.

[Brad Ellin]

I have used them, quite successfully, on the head (front, back and sides) and found that besides saving your knuckles they can do a wonderfully job of rattling you opponent's brain thereby stunning them and giving you the time and opening for a finishing attack. Also reccomended if you are chasing someone, instead of tackling them, palm strike to the back at the shoulder blades.
All strikes have their advantages and dis-advantages. Palm strikes can save your knuckles, save you from broken bones, and give more of a shock "wave" to your opponent.

My opinion, your's may differ.

[Mike Flanagan]

They definitely reduce the risk of injury to yourself if you're striking to the head - all those bony projections and 'armour' plating. I find it a good tool for striking the side of the head. Also good for striking the occiput - the heel of the palm fits very snugly into the space between the occiput, the trapezius muscle and the sternocleimastoid muscle.

Mike

[bbcb_98]

I have pretty small hands and have already broken two fingers (not from MA though). Making a good strong fist is a little harder for me than most. I like palm strikes since like Mike said above its less dangerous on the hands. Hard to keep fighting if the weapons are damaged (adrenaline probably takes over in a real fight but I wouldnt know) I doubt in a real situtation I would think about using one over the but if I could I would go for the palm (knife hands to the throat and neck area are also good). Hard to beat upercuts to the chin though.

[johndoch]

An upwards vertical Palm heel strike to the nose or chin immediately followed by tiger claw style downwards rake across the eyes and face.

I find in self defence work that its quicker to grab after a palm heel than a punch.

[Joe karate]

I would say a palm works good coming underneath the chin.

Did you ever use it in a circular motion? Instead of hitting like a punching motion try this.

Imagine your arm is like a trains wheels, bringing it back and forth in a dropping motion. You should drop the strike when you hit and hit with the inside of you wrist just like the palm strike.

[Andy Murray]

Think about it.

You've got the two main bones of the forearm (Radius and Ulna) connecting with the target. Better still, a nice cushion of flesh to stop any bone on bone impact.

One of those rare occasions, when I can say I've used it on the street. Straight to the forehead, snapping the guys head back with the first, and dropping him with the second.

[JediMasterChris]

I use palm strike over punches 6/10, I am not sure why, it just feels more natural for me.

[TkdWarrior]

used palm strikes, as lethal as punches. anyways i dunno who said this but this is i believe too
"it's better going hard against soft n soft against hard"
-TkdWarrior-

[Adam]

Hmm. Well, I must be doing them wrong then. When i punch, I aim for fractures to bones and penetration power, not shock energy, hence I feel the fist strike is better.
Do you think there are any use for palm strikes on the body? So far you've only talked about the head.

[Freeform]

Yeah, as has been mentioned before if your going in for a grab, give them a palm to the body to wind/shock them. Such is the power of atemi! ;)

[Andy Murray]

Originally posted by Adam
Hmm. Well, I must be doing them wrong then. When i punch, I aim for fractures to bones and penetration power, not shock energy, hence I feel the fist strike is better.
Do you think there are any use for palm strikes on the body? So far you've only talked about the head.

Sure there are;

Sternum to shock the heart.

Solar Plexus to wind.

Rib Cage can be broken

Floating Rib, snapped and/or pushed into internals

Kidneys is sickening

Spine, my chiropractor uses the heel of the hand as opposed to a fist to re-align vertebrae.

[YODA]

I've been on the receiving end of a "low lying palm" to the floating ribs. We were working applications of the 1st section of the Mook Jong form

I thought I was going to die.

[Sonshu]

Best reason!

THE LAW

In the eyes of the law it looks a lot better than a clenched fist, as it shows control there for making it easier to prove it was not a strike in anger hence a clenched fist!!

Hope this is a good reason for you

SONSHU

[Knight_Errant]

If you want my raving honest opinion, I think the law is crazy in this respect. A punch requires much more training and preparation. I think a lot depends on your guy- someone about my weight, maybe slightly over and i'd do it.

[Sonshu]

I punch is an act of anger and agression where as a palm strike shows restraint in the eyes of the law.

Also it tends to do less damage (visable) anyway. It is a difficult call but if you palm strike the guy its easier to class it as I raised my hand and said stop, the fact that you ****ted the guy is irrelevant!

It just looks better - especially if you should stop or get off!

SONSHU

[KickChick]

All this 'talk' about palm strikes gets my juices going.... I WANNA STRIKE SOMETHING... a sternum, rib cage, chin ... no not the kidneys :eek: .....

eh..... the only ocassion I've actually "used" the strike is in board breaks.... I'm too much of a wuss to use a punch!:rolleyes: