Vertical VS Horizonal

[Jay]

I have always wondered which one is better. For me the vertical fist is faster but im used to the horizontal because of my style. I know that the vertical is mechically better in regards to the human skeleton. However the horizontal executes more press due to hitting with the first two knuckles (this can also be done with the vertical fist) I know that you will say which one works best for me but biologically and physically(power, force and momentum wise) one must be better than the other.

Im also including a poll to see which one everyone prefers.

[Menjo]

I'm a little mixed up, what exactly do you mean by vertical and horizontal?

[patusai]

I have used both. Horizontal supply more power although the vertical does supply a better fit if hit into specific areas of the body

[Drithen]

I dont think either is necessarily better, I use both when the need arises

[Fairfax_Uechi]

The technique that gets the job done is the best. I personally don't like punches that much as they're "beginner" techniques. Palm and elbow strikes inflict lots of pain with limited risk of getting hurt, but they aren't as easy to do as a simple punch. So it goes back to "it depends". A nice chop to the jaw is also very nasty. But unless I really wanted someone to be drinking out of a straw for 6 months, it's not a technique that I would consider as a first or second choice unless I really wanted to teach a loud mouth a lesson.

Jay, my suggestion to you is to learn your techniques as well as you can. Have confidence in all of them, have a couple of favorites, then a couple more that you like as "secondaries". Then never have to use them outside of class.

[P.A.L]

3/4 turn engages all the muscles , retraction is faster too. i use it in my traditional shuri-te katas and white crane katas as well.

[AngelaG]

The twist on a horizontal punch is the very last thing you do, and you wouldn't hit someone on the end of the technique (outside of kumite), therefore when the punch hits the fist is horizontal either way. all the little twist does is adds another factor into play, perhaps ripping flesh, or twisting inside.

[Eric_]

I prefer a vertical punch. Not only does it provide better skeletal alignement, it provides better and faster cover for your ribs. Punching horizontally naturaly causes your elbow to rise, giving excess exposure to your body. As for the pressure issue, you should hit with those same knuckles in either method, and I personally find that alligning the first two knuckles with my target feels more natural punching vetrically. The twist on your punch (if you use one) doesn't automatically cause your fist to hit horizontally, it depends on the position of your fist when it begins the turn, and how far you turn it. If your fist is palm up, and you rotate it ninety degrees, then your fist would be horizontal.

[ShadowFox]

Horizontal Fist, well so far we mostly use horizontal fist in the style I'm doing right now so I gotta say horizontal fist

[isshinryu5toforever]

I like the vertical fist, but that's what I've been using for 15 years. I'm a little biased. I have seen places where I apply the horizontal punch as well. I actually use a slight tilt to my punch probably close to 45 degrees as one poster mentioned above. I have found great power generation from that, and like the feel. It's more natural. Then again do something a few hundred thousand times and it feels natural.