position of fist, on the hip or on the rib?

[unknownstyle]

i would say that it doesn't need to be too high but not too low. somewhere right in the middle of the ribs and belt

[parkerlineage]

American Kenpo is on the ribs.

[Jiffy]

I really don't think it makes that much of a difference. I prefer it a little higer than the belt, but in the scheme of things, I really don't think it matters.

[Shui Tora]

Shotokan Karate has the fist on the hip... However, I have experimented with my Sensei using different positions of the fist on both the hip, and ribs...

Our conclusions found out that neither really makes a difference. Having your fist on your ribs makes it easier to do short, fast punches to the collar bone and chest area. Having your fist on your hips means you can use your hips properly to throw the punch out using all of your body's energy.

Therefore, in evidence, the positioning of the fist amkes little difference!

[Orca]

It seems people here are forgetting that the chambered fist should never be a static position. It is a intermediate point between positions, or a finishing point after a technique.

For example, in free kumite one only has the fist chambered during fleeting moments, after having done hikite to add power to a technique. If you get caught too long with the fist chambered you are liable to receive a punch in the face. However if you understand the purpose and the srategy behind chambering it DOES add power and body dynamics. I did boxing before I did karate, and I coming back to visit the gym I have sparred with boxers and kickboxers (who made fun of the chambering of the fist), using traditional karate sparring and they were very surprised, not only because they were unable to catch me between techniques, but also because of the power that I generated (which was much greater than when I used to do only boxing, and I was pretty powerful as a boxer). My point is that well used, chambering of the fist (ribs, hips, or in between) can be a very useful move.

[parkerlineage]

I actually fight interchangably and randomly between my front hand (left) extended almost all the way, palm out with my right fist by my face, or with my right fist chambered high, like right under my armpit. Because my front arm is extended, and my arms are so long, and I block punches and kicks with my legs or dodge them, I can keep my hand chambered for powerful reverse punches. Unless I'm fighting a really tall or really fast person.

[l32]

This is what I've experienced in my training:

Shotokan: at the hip

Kyukoshinkai: at the rib

Taekwondo (ATA): at the rib

Taekwondo (CTF): at the hip

I've had to do it both ways because of the different styles I have studied. In my opinion, chambering at the rib makes for a faster punch, but chambering at the hip(or belt) makes for a more powerful punch. That has been my experience anyway.

[Jiffy]

It seems people here are forgetting that the chambered fist should never be a static position. It is a intermediate point between positions, or a finishing point after a technique.

For example, in free kumite one only has the fist chambered during fleeting moments, after having done hikite to add power to a technique. If you get caught too long with the fist chambered you are liable to receive a punch in the face. However if you understand the purpose and the srategy behind chambering it DOES add power and body dynamics. I did boxing before I did karate, and I coming back to visit the gym I have sparred with boxers and kickboxers (who made fun of the chambering of the fist), using traditional karate sparring and they were very surprised, not only because they were unable to catch me between techniques, but also because of the power that I generated (which was much greater than when I used to do only boxing, and I was pretty powerful as a boxer). My point is that well used, chambering of the fist (ribs, hips, or in between) can be a very useful move.

Indeed you are correct. Hikite is one of the most important principles in Karate, it is the Ying and Yan of the technique.

I don't think people forgot that, they were just focusing on a different aspect of the conversation.

[Orca]

Jiffy,

Yep, sorry. I was responding to some earlier posts (like that of Rickson fan) which stated that chambering had no real purpose and that it left people vulnerable.

thanks!

[bushido_man96]

I have always kept my fist at my ribs. But when sparring, it doesn't really matter, because I keep them up.