Incredible punching power

[Virgil Damian]

I used to think my punches were good, because I'm usually able to make people several ranks higher than myself recoil with just one punch during free sparring. However, I was recently exposed to an uncomfortable truth.

I was sparring with the black belts in my dojo (I'm 5th kyu atm), and I realised that my punches barely affected them, while one punch from them was enough to make me recoil and lose my breath. So my question is, how do I improve on my striking power? My current training involves doing elevated knuckle pushups and occasionally weights training.

[JiuJitsuNation]

Power is in the footwork and speed!

[Virgil Damian]

I was thinking of doing elastic band training or weighted ankles and wrist training, but after reading articles from other threads I found out they're not really recommended for people my level. So should I just perfect posture/ stance/ footwork/ precision atm?

[JiuJitsuNation]

My boxing coach always made us do footwork drills equal to all other types of drills. Also the truth is an accumulation of punches is more affective than looking for one shot one kill. This is an idealistic belief that is not consistent with the reality of a fight. So work the fundamentals and rather than see if you can rattle your black belts with one shot. See if you canwear them down by scoring many. This will be a true test of your ability. Consistency!!

[conrad665]

We usually do push-ups on our seiken to hold the wrists stable and strong, and punch each other on the stomach to prevent being breathless. Footwork is also an important issue- if you can get closer to your opponent,your punch will naturally be more effective. I cannot do this to black belts, either, because I'm scared. They hit too badly

[DWx]

Bag work. Sometimes it helps to have something to actually hit.

[Jeffrey]

Also try getting your hip into the punch. Hip movement in all techniques adds a lot of extra power.

[Virgil Damian]

Also try getting your hip into the punch. Hip movement in all techniques adds a lot of extra power.

That's one of the things I'm worried about. I always wonder if my hips are moving like they should when I'm spamming punches. Thanks everyone for all your advice!

[crazylegs]

Yes, power begins in the feet and works it's way up. Legs, hips, shoulders..

Don't confuse "Strength" with "Power". You want "power" in a punch. How "strong" you are has very little to with anything.

Work on teqnuiqe..

[KarateGeorge]

Strength plays a role in the power of your punch, but as has been echoed in the prior posts, technique is really where a technique's power comes from. Make sure your footwork is good, that you're turning your hips properly, etc. Examine your technique and work on perfecting it, then once you get the technique down, work on the speed of the punch. The speed of the punch has a greater impact on force than the mass behind the punch...it's science.

Also, as DWx suggested, get some bag work in if you can.