Thrusting Fore Elbow to the Body

My striking arm actually rubs the side of my body on its way out to the target.

I make sure not to scrape my elbow point on the bag. To me, this is a penetrating thrust designed to cause serious damage to a dangerous attacker.

On the other hand, it is only effective when used close up and personal.

Without prejudice

Rising Fore Elbow to the Body

When I practice this against a bag I’m careful to aim through.

I don’t scrape the elbow point.

Instead I aim at a point about solar plexus height and I drive through.

I always to make sure my abdominal core is tight and slightly pushed out just before I make contact. This adds both power and speed to all of my strikes.

Without prejudice

Horizontal Hook Punch to the Body

A ‘horizontal’ hook, also known as a ‘true hook’ runs perpendicular to the uppercut punch to the body (as I showed a couple of days ago).

Again, I prefer to use a standing fist. Tight gut, short whip and good follow through make this strike a powerful infighting tool.

Without prejudice

Angled Hook Punch to the Body

This is similar to a true hook but the angle is shallower because my striking arm is closer to my body (hence the name ‘angled’ hook).

In both my angled hook and my true hook I prefer to use a standing fist. It is just easier for me to align my fist, wrist and forearm.

Without prejudice

Uppercut punch to the Body

This is literally a half punch. I’m half as far away as I would be for a full punch.

I extend my arm half as far out making this mostly a torso muscle driven punch.

On the other hand, the uppercut to the body is a devastating strike when it lands. A good uppercut sets up lots of opportunities for continued follow up counterattacks.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Angled Block with Counter Punch

This drill is kind of an exception to the rule of simultaneous doubles. I block across my body first. It is only after the block has crossed my body that my counter punch begins.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Crossdownward Block with Counter Punch

Today I’m practicing a basic defense against a straight left punch to the body.

I drop my left hand down on top of the incoming attack as I counter punch high to his face.

Without prejudice