Is my punching the problem?

Question

I'm training in martial arts and I'm practising on a punching bag, but my knuckles (not where my fingers join the hand, the next ones up) always take most of the force and end up hurting a lot within the first few minutes. I'm wearing hand wraps, but if I'm honest I have no clue if they should be covering that set of knuckles, they aren't at the moment. My hand is pretty tensed when i punch but those knuckles always seem to stick out. Any advice?

Answer 1

Yes, the problem is in your form. Look at your hand RIGHT NOW and throw an aimless punch. I bet you do not tilt your knuckles into the punch. Almost any punch, you tilt your hand into the angle of the swing. Bend the wrist down very slightly. That way, you hit with the knuckles, not the brunt of your fist. I wish I could show you, but I hope words are good enough.

Also, you are training for martial arts? If you have an instructor, why isn't he teaching you this? Why do you ask here? Seriously, get a new trainer. If somebody won some competitions and talk a good game does NOT make them a good teacher. If you ask us this, he can't be a good teacher. I used to train people to Wrestle and to do excersize. If I saw something wrong, I'd step in and tell them it's wrong, tell them why it is, and show them proper ways of doing whatever was in question.

Shortly, yes, it is your form. Talk to him about it. If he comes up with a "Duhh ... I don't know" type response, drop him like a bad habit. You are only as good as what you learn. If you have a teacher with no ability to teach, what does that tell you?

Rock on Champ.

Answer 2

You have to hit with the two large knuckles where the fingers join the hand (the distal end of the second and third metacarpal bones).

If you are not striking with those surfaces, you are not holding your hand in the proper orientation.  You should make sure to strike properly, or you will regret it.

The handwraps don't cover the part of the fingers you mentioned.  They can (and usually should) cover the striking knuckles.  Unless your hands are thoroughly conditioned, you should use some padded gloves on the heavybag.  Punches are not ideal bare-handed strikes; palm-heels or hammer fists are better options if you are not wearing gloves.

Don't punch the bag hard until you have learned proper technique.  Be especially careful with hook punches and uppercuts.

DO KNUCKLE-PUSHUPS -- use the punching knuckles to support yourself.  This will teach you how to position your hand and wrist while punching, and it will strengthen and condition the bones and ligaments in the hand.  Knuckle pushups are an important tool, use them.

Answer 3

talk to your trainer about how to corect this. it sounds like you aren't turning your hands over all the way