This is the first I’ve ever heard about the twisting causing injury and I’m not inclined to agree.

Firstly let me say that in formal karate – chambering one hand while striking with the other create a twisting, push-pull action greatly increasing the power of the punch. This coupled with twisting the body and stepping (or rather landing) at the point of impact has the effect of transitioning the entire weight of one’s body into a couple square inches of the two largest knuckles of the striking fist (hopefully tightened and properly aligned).

I don’t know anyone how would argue that is realistic in a real fight as covering with body movement is far more effective than blocking and formal punches… but that is where we came from in martial arts.

I don’t agree that twisting is problematic unless one attempts to do the twist late. Then I would agree there are too many forces going different directions at the same times and the fist and forearm is in flux – easier to injure ones self.

Having said all of this – I agree that one would not do a full twist in a real fight for the reasons I mentioned.

Let me know if I’m missing something here and thanks for your comment.

A full twist punch was taught in Japan to elementary children, so they would not hurt each other in practice. In reality a 3/4 twist punch is more dangerous, because it allows for a smaller (sharper) part of your fist to impact the target. This is why martial arts works better for smaller people. Because you have smaller and sharper finger, joints, knuckles…etc. to attack an opponent.

However, if you punch with a 3/4 twist (not a full 180 degree) your bones in your arm are naturally aligned, making it much harder to hurt yourself by hitting something full force. Thus eliminating the need for boxers to do wrist exercises. (if only they knew!)

There is good in every style of karate, you just need to know how to interpret it. It is like reading a book that is of a foreign language. The more about that language you know, the easier it is to translate. I cringe at most of the garbage that “teaches people martial arts from home” via the television.

BE WARNED! A full twist punch WILL greatly increase your chances of injury to yourself!

Hey Dr J! That must of been some tennis game to watch. I have and do pay attention to technique as I need every edge I can get.

Hi Tiger, I remember getting into the advance hands of Lima Lama so many years ago only to have the Master on a visit admonish us for neglecting our basics. As I recall we did not have a solid foundation before doing the more advanced stuff and it showed.

I too cannot remember the last time in sparring I chambered my hands but I still practice it in punching drills in my very low horse stance. To the untrained eye that looks useless but it has done me well over the years. I’ll give one example.

Back when I was on the door – a guy ordered talls instead of doubles and got mad at the bartender when the drinks were weak. He started getting unruly and I had to pick him up and give him the bums rush out the back door. I thought I was done with him.

As I was walking back towards the door (about 20 feet from the back door where I left the guy) I heard one of my friends warn me he was attacking. I spun around and saw the swing with the empty drinks being thrown at me.

I had little time to react so I ducked my head in a forward stance while throwing double inward blocks. The two glasses shattered on my forearms but I was ok. I charged and quickly dispatched the guy after I got a hold of him.

That is one example how ones training can take over in a pinch. Great observations Tiger and yes changing the focus can make all of the difference.