Combined Arts Training and Tactics Foundations: Hand Strikes -- Jab and Cross Punch

C.A.T.T. hand strikes -- boxing adapted



Hooking Palm Strike

 The basic hand strikes in the C.AT.T. fighting system are based on one of the most effective striking systems in history (for hands anyway): Boxing.

We utilize the four basic boxing strikes: Jab, cross, hook and uppercut. The punches in my system are essentially the same as you see in any boxing class, except for one major difference -- we use a closed fist, but will also throw them open-handed, as palm-strike variations. But I'll talk more about that in a future post.

There are other strikes, but these are the foundation hand techniques. Remember, these are the basic techniques that you practice constantly and consistantly until they are second nature.
These are the hand strikes you work on every time you train. Every time.

So let's break down each strike:

Jab -- Well, if you've been reading this blog at all, you've seen my previous posts about the jab and how important it is. Simply put, it is the foundation for all the other strikes, including kicks and even setting up takedowns. A good jab is vitally important in my system, it will set up everything else. Check out my post on the jab for basic guidelines: http://martial-arts-fitness-stuff.blogspot.com/2012/02/jab-elements-of-effective-strike.html

Cross (straight) punch:

• This punch fires off the back leg, with the rear hand.
• Open up your hips and shoulders.
• Rear shoulder and hip shoot toward the target as you punch.
• Rear foot pivots toward the target.
• Rear heel lifts slightly, pushing your entire body into the punch.
• Strike with the big knuckles.
• Don't lock your elbow on impact.
• Keep your chin down and tucked into your punching shoulder
• This is a power punch, more so than the jab.
• Since it comes off the back side your body, it has more distance to travel in order to build power and momentum, and the entire rear half of the body -- from the foot, through the hip and the shoulder -- pivot toward the target.

The jab and the cross are the classic one-two of punching and, when thrown as a proper combination, will have more effective elements of speed and power than any other two strikes in your arsenal. Also a perfect combination for setting up power kicks off the back leg.

Here is a movie with a little C.A.T.T. boxing:

Next up: Power punching with the hook punch and the uppercut.

Combined Arts Training and Tactics: Basic Stance

The C.A.T.T. basic stance looks like this (that would be the picture at right).

I also call this the natural fighting stance. Natural because that's what it is--if I dropped my hands it would sort of look like I'm just standing there, not aggressive, not looking for a fight, just standing there, all natural-like.

This is the stance I use to launch my kicks and punches. Both hands and feet can easily be put into play from here. I can move in any direction--to the front, back and both sides with equal ease.

Elements of the basic stance:

• Weight is equally distributed on both feet.
• Feet are positioned at about shoulder-width.
• Front foot is pointed toward opponent. If you drew a line from my front toe, it would split the middle of my opponent's stance. I just have follow the direction of my front foot to land a perfect jab.
• Rear foot is pointed at an angle, away from opponent (for traction and preparation to turn the hip into a roundhouse or side kick).
• Knees are slightly bent.
• Hips and shoulders are directly over the feet.
• Lead shoulder is pointed slightly toward opponent (easier to defend than facing completely forward which opens up vital target areas. Also puts your jab closer)
• Hands are up--rear hand as high as your eyes, front hand just below eye level, pointed at target (nose, most likely).
• Elbows are close to the body (ready to fire a quick elbow strike or to tuck in tight in order to absorb a body shot).
• Chin is down and tucked in, eyes centered on opponent's chest (easier to see all peripheral movement and not be distracted by antagonist's eyes).

When I was a Tae Kwon Do and tournament fighter, I used a more sideways stance, so I could utilize a quick kick from my front leg or a fast backfist. For self defense and real fighting, I like to open up a bit more, keeping my "guns forward", that is, all my weapons in a position to easily and quickly fire.

This is not my only fighting stance, by any means. If it looks like the other guy is going to shoot in, I may get wider and lower for stability, prepared to fight off a takedown. And If I have a weapon in my hand, my stance will be quite different.

But this is the basic stance, the first stance, and everyone that learns my system would have to understand it completely, with all of its subtleties and nuances.

Here's an example of striking from the basic fighting stance:

Next: Hand strikes.