Should you use a palm heel strike or a punch in a real-life self-defense situation? This is a common debate in martial arts circles. Let’s see if we can solve it!
Check out the video or the summary below! 🙂
Palm Heel Strike or Punch?
If you saw my video, How to Punch in a Street Fight, you’ll remember I said, “The best fist is the one that fits.” Fits the target, I mean.
Well, now let’s take the analysis a little deeper…
ALIGNMENT
If I picked up a basketball and threw it at your face, I bet you could knock it down with an open hand, no problem.
You could probably do the same if I threw a computer at you… or a rock. I bet I could pick up an espresso machine and chuck it at your head and you’d still be able to knock it down without hurting your hand.
But punches are a little trickier. Lining up your shoulder and elbow so that your wrist is straight and your knuckles meet the surface of the target evenly requires a higher level of timing and coordination.
So, without even talking about the dangers of hitting the hard bones of the head with the tiny bones of the hand, it’s safe to say that under pressure, when you’ve got fists, feet, and maybe espresso machines flying at your face, the open hand is the safer choice.
Point palm heel.
PENETRATION
The palm heel is a blunt force weapon. It’s great for rattling the brain or smashing the nose, or even winding someone if you slam it into their solar plexus.
But the fist can really dig into a target. The leading edge of the knuckles are capable of stabbing into the body and causing deeper pain. If you don’t believe me, try it on your own ribs.
Hit yourself with a palm heel… then your knuckles. Ouch, right? Now, imagine—please, don’t do it!—the same effect on your temple.
This one’s an easy call. When in comes to penetration, point punch.
INJURIES
Many self-defense teachers warn that you’ll break your hand if you punch someone in the head.
Well, even if that was always true—and I don’t think it is—that doesn’t mean fighting with open hands is such a great idea, either!
If you’re throwing palm heels, you run the risk of breaking your fingers. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve jacked up my fingers trying to parry or grab… or simply getting tangled up in someone’s shirt. Heck—even my own shirt!
That’s why the safer bet is to always avoid a fight if possible!
It doesn’t really matter if you’re throwing palm heels or punches, either way, you’re taking a chance of being hurt.
So, on the topic of injuries, I’m calling this one a tie.
REACH ADVANTAGE
There’s nothing to argue about on this issue…
Stick out your palm heel strike… then close your fist. Experiment over!
On my hand, the punch extends about 3, maybe 4, inches past my palm heel.
So… that’s it. Point punch.
WAIT!
What about a finger jab? A finger jab is longer than a punch. For distance, that’s your best weapon.
What about the second knuckles? The leopard style fist is shorter than the finger jab, but a little longer than the traditional punch with the big knuckles. It’s not very popular, but can be useful.
What about the hammer fist? It’s a little shorter than a punch, but longer than a palm heel.
Wow! Your hand contains at least five different tools in the same toolbox!
So, palm heel strike or punch?
By now, you should see that it’s impossible to declare a winner or loser. Each hand weapon has advantages and disadvantages. The real trick is gaining the experience and wisdom to know when to use which tool for which job.
If you want to be a complete martial artist and have every option available to you in a self-defense situation, don’t just train punches and don’t just train palm heels.
Train them both! Train everything!
Because sometimes you need a saw, sometimes you need a screwdriver, and sometimes you need a hammer. Happy training!
