Ready to punch

[UseoForce]

I understand how possibly self-destructive it can be to punch with a closed fist. What are some strengthening/toughening excersises I can do to minimize these risks? I'm guessing the Muay Thai guys would know some good stuff(?)

[elbows_and_knees]

just punch the bag. thai boxing doesn't do any special conidtioning like chinese, japanese and okinawan styles do. toughness is just a byproduct of training for us. our conditioning comes from everyday training, nothing more. I know I hit the bag several thousand times per week. That has a cumulative effect... you will toughen over time.

[UseoForce]

I have been doing that, and I think its helping .

[Menjo]

I like to use knuckle push-ups as well..............

[CagedWarrior]

Punch a bag with no pad gloves or bare knuckle (be careful!), or at least less padded gloves. That will toughen them up, but it's always an issue in a bare knuckle fight if you'll miss and hurt them.

[Fairfax_Uechi]

I understand how possibly self-destructive it can be to punch with a closed fist. What are some strengthening/toughening excersises I can do to minimize these risks? I'm guessing the Muay Thai guys would know some good stuff(?)

Learn to punch correctly. Learn to lead with the first two knuckles. The two small ones will break like toothpicks if you hit someone/something hard with them. And like others said, learn to condition them. Start slow and over time you will have very solid knucles, wrists, arms, etc which will help you. And whatever you do, learn good form. Most folks can't punch worth a dime because they weren't taught well. It took me a couple of years to get good at it and I'm always working on it. My SO used to rib me that even when I'm horsing around and not throwing a "real" punch that I use good form. Well little does she know that once something becomes part of you it's automatic.

[elbows_and_knees]

Punch a bag with no pad gloves or bare knuckle (be careful!), or at least less padded gloves. That will toughen them up, but it's always an issue in a bare knuckle fight if you'll miss and hurt them.

If you are new to punching, that is not a good idea... it's a good way to mess your wrists up. After you have proper form down, then I would worry about that. Also, if you are going to punch bare knucks, make sure that you aren't punching a canvas bag - they will shred your hands.