How to Throw a Spinning Backhand Punch

The back fist is a punch that is often seen in "Kung Fu" as well as Muay Thai styles of martial arts. You step forward, but rather than punching forward, you swing your fist in an arc, bringing the knuckles into contact with your target in a backhanded motion. The spinning back fist is an additional variant and if you can strike it, it adds a lot more power to the blow.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take a fighting stance. You should have your right foot back with the foot pointing to the right, and your left foot forward, pointing at your target. Your right hand should be back and your left hand should be out front as a guard. Those who are left-handed should reverse these placements as well as the following facings to complete left-handed blows.

    • 2

      Step forward with your left foot across your body. Your foot should be at a 45 degree angle between you and your opponent. As you step, shift your weight forward onto your stepping foot.

    • 3

      Pivot on your forward foot and turn clockwise at the waist. As you're turning, extend your right arm so the fist is swinging toward your opponent. This can be disorienting without practice, but the knuckles of your right hand will impact the target with the force of your arm coupled with the force coming from the spin itself. Alternatively you can strike with the elbow, if you're in close to the target, or with the bottom part of your fist in a hammer fist strike.