3/4 punch versus a full twist

[Shorin Ryuu]

Hello everyone, I keep wanting to bring up the topic of the advantages of a 3/4 turn punch over a full twist (and a vertical tate for that matter) on many different posts, so I just thought I should just post it here and refer to it later on...

 

All right, here goes...I am very critical of the full twist/corkscrew punch and although the vertical tate punch is really good, in my opinion, it is not quite as good as the 3/4 punch. I just wanna hear what everyone else has to say.

 

Here is my justification:

 

The body is designed to withstand attacks straight on. Thus attacking at an angle (3/4) will do the trick. A full twist punch hit to the ribs will hit 3 or 4 at a time while a 3/4 punch will only hit one at a time (breaking it). A full twist punch will not fit within the solar plexus gap between the ribs, but a 3/4 punch will. A punch to face can be easily accomplished by a 3/4 punch, while it requires some manipulation of the wrist for a full twist punch. Also, on a full twist punch, the bones in the forearm cross, making it weaker and the muscles twist and dissipate your force (sort of like wringing out a wet rag, the water goes out everywhere). Conversely, with a 3/4 punch, the bones of the forearm and its muscles are perfectly aligned with each other maximizing its force and safety to the practicioner as well. Another point...there is a pressure point that is concealed beneath one of the upper forearm muscles when you do a 3/4 punch. When you twist your arm fully, the muscle shifts over and this is exposed. These are just some of the advantages.

 

Most of these explanations are simply anatomical in nature, but you can see how they apply to martial arts. My main gripe with the vertical tate (and not that much, really) is that it is only slightly off of the 3/4 punch and in some situations may be more useful.

 

Can anyone give me as many reasons why the full twist punch would be better than the 3/4 punch?

 

What brought this on was something that I noticed many traditional styles teach the full twist punch. Usually those that do are unfortunately watered down styles originally created for school children or for purely budo rather than bujutsu, however some of these styles seem to be decent but they just insist on the full twist punch. Some people say its mainly tradition while others really can't explain why they do it. I'm actually curious myself. Any thoughts?

 

Looking forward to a good discussion.

[Isshinryu Man]

Well I'm of Isshinryu practice, which is a primarily a combination of Shorin ryu and Goju ryu. Our traditional punch is delivered from the hip with our fist clenched as though you are grasping a joystick with a button on top. Your thumb is on the button. The traditional strike is delivered with the thumb knuckle pointing vertical and is delivered in them same such matter, vertical.

 

In reality, we do add a twist slightly before contact. If using the right hand, the fist will rotate 1/4 to the left placing it in the same position you are describing (I think ). The twisting action does have a lot of anotomical benefits for the attacker. Those you listed above and one of greater "destruction" to the receiver of the strike. As your punch continues it's twisting action on the body it will (if done properly) increase the damage by seperating muscle tissue in the "twist". This has an even greater effect on nerve areas. It helps reveal the hidden nerve by shifting the protective muscle to the side.

 

I like to equate it to a drill. The drill can do more damage with less effort as compared to a hammer.