How to Make a Bando Five Finger Death Punch
For those unfamiliar with Bando (not bondo - the terrific auto body filler), it's a considerably fierce style of martial arts which originated in Burma (Myanmar). In addition to its reputation for brutality, one rather noticeable element of the fighting style is the formation of the Bando fist, which I lovingly call the five finger death punch. Although its appearance is a bit unorthodox relative to other, more mainstream martial arts, it provides a solid foundation for effective self defense.
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Instructions
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To learn the proper fist formation, we'll start with one hand - your strong hand. Open it with your palm facing toward you.
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From your second knuckle, fold all four fingers down toward the top of your palm. To ensure that the fold is as tight as possible, I recommend practicing this movement with a pen placed across your fingers.
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Keeping your fingers in folded formation, roll them into your palm, creating the traditional "fist" shape.
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Step four is what separates the Bando fist from the rest of the head busting crowd. Instead of rolling your thumb across the underside of your fingers, press it against the outermost knuckle of your index finger - almost as if you're squeezing the top button on an old-school joystick.
If you're doing it correctly, your fist should nearly resemble a hand puppet...like Sifl and Olly without the socks.
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Repeat the same steps with your left hand. Once your left hand is familiar with the movement, roll the fist with both hands simultaneously, focusing intensely on the squeeze. Remember to squeeze tightly with your thumb to compress your fingers horizontally.
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Once you feel comfortable with the general shaping, practice the following:
Relax both hands, allowing them to rest casually at your sides. Now, as quickly, but as strictly as possible, form a tight fist with both hands. Use your entire body to focus intensity into your fists - from your forearms to your back, through your hamstrings and down to your toes - keep your body flexed and focused. Maintain intensity for five seconds, then relax.
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Repeat step six several times a day. By drilling this repeatedly, you will help train your body to instinctively make the transition from a relaxed state in preparation for the strike, to a rock solid foundation at the moment of impact.
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Tips & Warnings
In addition to acting as supplemental compression for a tight Bando five finger death fist, the thumb can also serve as a weapon within a strike. For example, by swinging your fist horizontally toward the side of your opponent's head, the thumb creates an extremely concentrated point of impact. Landing such a blow on a vital target, like the temple, could prove to be fatal.
I've received friendly criticism from some fighters upon showing them the Bando fist due to the odd, unfamiliar positioning of the thumb. Don't be discouraged. It looks funny, but a couple hundred bare knuckle rounds sold me on its effectiveness.
I can't stress the importance of drilling your formation. It isn't difficult to neglect this when you're caught up in the excitement of a fight. I've learned just how easy it is to break your wrist by throwing a weak punch. Keep it tight.
So, you've practiced these steps and you have a strong fist. That's awesome, but you're not quite ready to fight Bolo. Get some professional training before you go out and get yourself hurt.
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