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

[bushido_man96]

the purpose of the elbow is not to redirect. the elbow is pointy and hard...a imagine something weak like an instep colliding with an elbow. imagine a fist colliding with an elbow... this is a tactic known as a 'destruction'.

I have been known to block with my elbows this way in sparring at my TKD classes. I get lots of comments on how I have bruised ankles, shins, insteps, etc. in this way. It can be effective.

[Kajukenbopr]

kajukenbo-

we place our fists at our ribs

[DasZab]

Shorei Kempo - Okinawan Style

We place our fist at our belt.

[cross]

Shorei Kempo - Okinawan Style

We place our fist at our belt.

Whats the theory behind that?

[NightOwl]

Probably to have a consistent starting point for your punch?

[cross]

Probably to have a consistent starting point for your punch?

If thats the case, why not choose a more protective starting point, like around chin height?