Learning to hit the Russian way

The strikes from the Russian system are numerous and varied. In this article I will describe the method used to learn how to punch and the use of the wave to provide power for open hand striking.

The Punch

When punching it is important to educate yourself correctly so that you recognise the areas on your opponents body where you fist fits. The whole surface of the fist should sit comfortably on them. If the fist does not feel comfortable on their body there is every chance you will hurt your wrist when you start punching.

One thing you can do is place the fist between the muscles. That way when you load up the fist with little pressure the fist is held in place by it’s position on the body.

Next the wrist has to be relaxed. This is achieved through the correct alignment of the fist and forearm. The easiest way of visualising this is to hold the press up position on your fists. The muscles will soon tire and the body will adopt the most natural position.

Having locate the areas on the body where we can place our fists correctly we have to ensure that there is a bend in the elbow
So that when we punch the effects of the punch are not reflected down our arm into our body. The effect of this is to shake your head causing tension in your neck and the possibility of minor concussion. Over time this can cause some of the symptoms of brain damage suffered by boxers.

To be able to apply a strike to someone in this manner our positioning has to be close to them. If we feel uncomfortable with this proximity we will over reach and unbalance our posture.

Practice moving around your partner placing your fist on the areas where you know it fits. Do this dynamically so that as each step lands so does the fist.