How to Do Straight Punches in Krav Maga

Krav maga is becoming a popular form of real-life self-defense taught and is taught in gyms and martial arts centers across the country. Developed in Israel and used by Israeli military forces, krav maga, or "close combat" in Hebrew, teaches it's students powerful hand-to-hand combat techniques. One of the first and most important techniques learned in krav maga is how to throw straight punches.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Begin in the basic krav maga neutral position. Your feet should be about hip width apart with your dominant leg behind you. Lift your dominant foot up onto your toes so that your heel is off the ground and bend slightly at the knees. Place your fisted hands at shoulder height in defense position, ready to both block and attack.

2. Hold your elbows in tight to your body both in the neutral position and while throwing your straight punches. In the neutral position, your thumbs are facing in towards you.

3. Push off your back leg as your rotate with your entire body, adding force to your punches. Push your arm straight out, turning your fist so that your thumb faces out and your knuckles are horizontal upon impact. Pull the punch back in quickly and repeat.

4. Practice krav maga straight punches with both arms, as you never know when your dominant arm may not be free to fight. Work on the move in slow motion first to perfect every step and then slowly pick up the pace and begin working on speed and strength.

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