The Fist - Over Rated?

When we think of fighting, most people see themselves as punching some one with their fists.

Most are looking for that big knock out.

The only problem is that the human hand is made up of many very fragile bones. Sure you can harden them by striking shot bags, sand and things like that, but this really does damage to your hand.

Boxers primary weapons are their fists, but notice they have a lot of protection on them and they still get broken bones. In most other martial arts, kung fu, karate, kick boxing, we have many weapons to work with. Elbows, forearms, knees, shins, palms, fingers for for certain targets, etc.

If you watch an experienced martial artist fight he or she may not even use a fist for striking.
You could use a palm to the nose or elbow to the ribs or head.

If you go to some of the video sites you can watch some beat downs, notice that most of the street fighters go straight for the head and use primarily their fists.

Thats what makes a martial artist different from a street fighter, they are expecting for us to fight the same way as they do.

I've defeated street fighters with something as simple as a lite chop to the throat or finger behind the ear. But sometimes it took a whole lot more.

Anyway what I'm saying here is mix up your techniques and try sparring or practicing using everything except your fists and see what you come up with.

I will practice and use nothing but leverage moves or kicks, elbows, knees, sweeps etc.

It's fun and makes you a more disciplined fighter.

Give it a try.