How to Do the Kung Fu Center Punch

The kung fu center punch is sometimes called a rotary or rotation punch. There are variations among the many styles of kung fu regarding the targeting of the punches and the rotation of the hands. By and large it is the same technique. Although it can be used in combat, center punches are most commonly used during stance training exercises. Here's how to do it.

Instructions

1. Assume the horse stance. The fists should be held at the hips or along the bottom of the ribcage with the elbows back and the palms up

2. Thrust the punching arm forward while keeping the shoulders back and the spine straight.

3. Targeting varies among styles. Commonly the punch will travel straight and end in front of the shoulder or in front of the sternum. Either way, the hand rotates as the fists travels toward the desired target. Upon reaching the end of the punch, the palm should be pointed down. This rotary or rotating motion is the source of the alternate names.

4. Throw a second punch in the same way, but as the second hand moves forward, the first should retreat. These movements should be exactly opposite so that in the middle of the exchange each hand is halfway through its motion and palms are facing one another.

5. Step forward while throwing the center punch into the mountain-climbing stance for additional power. This is sometimes called a stepping or thrusting center punch.

6. Carefully maintain the straight spine and head position throughout the movements to maintain proper balance and prevent the head from leaning forward and becoming an easy target.