Uses of an open hand

[Tombstone]

Open hand strikes are very effective. My brother shootfights (and visits this forum) and all they use is open hand strikes. I've seen enough knock downs in his class to know their effective.

[KickChick]

Well no kidding open hand strikes ARE effective.

 

I am surprised no one has mentioned one of some of the basic techniques used in self defense which are open handed techniques such as the eye gouge with a spear finger thrust or an open hand strike to the throat or double open palm strike to both ears causing ear drum rupture. This is what it does http://www.earsurgery.org/tympan.html (not too pretty)..... Kinda like popping a plastic baggie. Causes immense pain, disorientation, and some blood may come out of his ears. The disorientation and pain gives you just enough time to run like hell!

 

... any question as to the effectiveness of an openhanded strike? Be on the receiving end!!!

[G95champ]

I like open hands. I know most guys like fists but Im a big fan of palms, ridgehands, knifehands, spearhands and evan claws. I also like blocking with open hands so I can grab.

 

With that said I still get a lot of stubed fingers.

[delta1]

I love open hand strikes. Besides being extremely effective (as already discussed), they are versatile. At times they are all that will fit where you want to hit, like contouring his arm to a neck strike when his chin is tucked. They convert easily to other weapons- claw, finger thrust, crane hand, etc. They facilitate flow, like converting the returning motion after an elbow strike to a heel palm claw. And they are an awesome in close weapon. Try this (simplistic example alert!); stand in front of a surface you can strike. Adduct either forearm so it is parrallel to the floor and make a fist with that hand. Place your fist against the surface to be struck. Now, without moving your arm, open your fist into a heel palm. From point of origin, strike the surface. You should be able to generate enough power, even from this distance, to rock someones world if delivered to the right target!

[jiu-jitsu fighter]

i like using fists but i also use palm strikes and slaps to the ears

[fskarateoz]

Yeah, i hadn't really noticed how good they are. i'm more of a fists man myself but i think i have developed a new respect for open hands.

 

fskarateoz

[MuayThai Fighter]

How about elbow strikes to temple instead of fist or open hand?

 

Actually it's effective but unless you can do it with control I don't suggest it,since a person can die that way and many Thai boxers in Thailand have been killed by it,because in Thailand they allow just about everything,they have very few rules and don't wear head gear.

 

Besides most countries don't allow the use of elbow strikes during sparring although they are no doubt effective.

[SBN Doug]

You also need to be careful when using elbows and knees for your own sake. If you don't use proper technique, you can do more damage to yourself than your opponent.

 

Since this thread is not titled specifically to open handed strikes, I'll throw in another twist. I like open handed techniques for the ability to strike and grab vital points. I've been in an art that we train our grip and finger strength to allow for these attacks, and I like the ability to be in close and simple grab someone, and cause their knees to buckle.