Punching

[GoGoGo]

Well it will be a while before the next session of the martial arts that I wanted to join starts (I had to forego the one starting in January because I was injured) and I really would like to know the difference between a martial artist's punch and just the every day man's attempt at a punch.

 

What I do know is that martial artists use their whole body. Everyday people simply use their arm muscles.

 

What I don't know is how to do it. Or more specifically how it feels. I have a few guesses but I'm not sure which way is right.

 

I have a DVD called Jeet Kune Do which is of course instructed by Bruce Lee's authorized person to carry on his art.

 

In this DVD he shows how he catches and then punches. He uses the term "slip" too. He says "slip" cross. Etc... What does he mean by "slip?"

 

My question is, how exactly do you "catch" a punch? Usually it comes so fast that I am unable to do much of anything. Let alone hit right back.

 

Now I know what I am asking sounds pretty stupid because it takes a whole lot of practice. But basically there are some guys who sometimes like to joke around or just be stupid and punch at me out of no where or just put their whole body into a push or more like a ram. Are martial arts designed to help you when you are not expecting an attack from someone? Additionally, what would you do in a situation that someone puts their whole body and just kind of runs at you as if to tackle?

 

Back to punching.... Well, when I watch Bruce Lee as he is teaching on his DVD, I see how he uses his feet and whole body. But I have a tendency to overdo this concept. For example, I seem to hop forward when I punch. If it's not hopping, a lot of times I'll turn my entire body when I punch.

 

Also, I seem to like to take the "use your whole body" thing too far too. I almost twist my entire body just to do a simple punch. The other thing I am missing is a punching bag. Do you know of any makeshift alternatives to a punching bag for a while? I really cannot afford one right now. Is it possible to practice without a bag?

 

Thanks.

[GoGoGo]

Please post responses here. Thanks.

[kataman]

Every day man punch with his shoulder,when the martial artist will punch with his hips,the faster you rotate, the faster and harder you will punch.

 

Catching a punch.Well I am not familiar with this term,but I am with dodging or side steping.instaid of facing a punch i prefer to step away from the punch and closer to the side or the back of the opponent.