Punches for Kumite (Sparring)
Jab or Cobra Strike (Kickboxing):
The jab is used to keep an opponent off balance and to set openings for the power hand. Karate uses a lead-hand back knuckle strike to do the same thing. This punch must be thrown without any kind of wind-up motion. It can be thrown with the hand open. This technique is a quick flick of the fist like a cobra striking its’ victim. It must go out and come back fast. It is not a power punch. A jab is an entry and exit punch.
This technique is also known as a flicker jab. It snaps out and back like the end of a whip. It is not intended to do damage, but its’ main purpose is as a distraction. This is a staple of AOKK kumite.
Execution:
- Assume a balanced stance.
- Tuck your chin.
- Take a slight step forward with the lead leg.
- Push the L-H forward as quickly as possible with a snapping motion. Hide the chin behind the left shoulder and keep the right hand up to protect the face and chin.
- Withdraw the L-H as fast as it was delivered.
Note: If you’re Right-Handed the R-H is considered your power hand
Note: This punch is mainly thrown with the arm, but there is a slight rotation of the shoulder. Snap the technique back and move out the opponent’s range. Don’t throw the jab just to be doing something have a purpose. Breathe out as you punch.
Note: This punch is used to test the opponent’s defense and to set-up the power hand.
Note: Do not pull the fist backwards before striking.
Power Jab (Kickboxing):
The power jab is used to knock an opponent down. It must be set-up, so the opponent runs into the punch. This jab is a power punch. Snap the technique back and move out the opponent’s range.
- Assume a balanced stance, left foot forward.
- Lower your chin.
- As the opponent charges Pivot your hips clockwise rising up on the ball of the left foot.
- Push the L-H forward as quickly as possible with a snapping motion and lock the elbow.
- Let the opponent run into the punch increasing its power. Hide the chin behind the left shoulder and R-H. Punch through the target.
- Withdraw the L-H as fast as it was delivered.
Note: Do not pull the fist backwards before striking.
Note: If you’re R-Handed the R-H is considered your power hand, so this punch is made with the lead hand.
Straight Right (Kickboxing):
The straight right is the fighter’s knock-out punch. It is also a power punch. Normally it is directed to the opponent’s jaw line. This is also the most natural punch you can throw. The trick is to learn to cover the face.
- Assume a balanced stance left foot forward.
- Tuck your chin.
- Turn the right foot and pivot on the ball of the foot. Push off with the rear right foot, and transfer your weight from the back leg to the front leg. Rotate the hips. Rotate the shoulders.
- Throw the R-H straight from the guarding position by the chin. Hide the chin behind the extended arm.
- Once you make contact quickly return to your balanced stance place you hands in the guarding position
Note: Do not pull the fist backwards before striking, or drop the shoulder, nor should you bend you knees lowering your centerline. These are all tale-tale signs of what’s coming.
Right Hook (Kickboxing):
A hook is also a power punch. Normally it is directed to the opponent’s ribs or jaw line, and due to the extra shoulder rotation, it has some real pop. Again, the trick is to learn to cover the face because this punch takes longer to develop than the straight right. Snap the technique back and move out the opponent’s range.
- Assume a balanced stance left foot forward.
- Tuck your chin.
- Turn the left foot outward.
- Turn the right foot and pivot on the ball of the foot like you’re crushing a bug. Push off with the rear right foot and transfer your weight from the back leg to the front leg.
- Rotate the hips. Rotate the shoulders.
- Bend the arm in 90˚ angle with the palm of the fist facing down.
- Drive the bent arm into the opponent’s ribs, back, or bicep.
Note: It can also be driven to the head.
- Hide the chin behind the L-H.
- Once you make contact quickly return to your balanced stance place you hands in the guarding position.
Note: This is not a sweeping circular punch. This is not what is commonly called a “Hay Maker.” Its power is generated from the hip and shoulder and not from the centrifugal rotation of the arm and shoulder.
Note: Pulling your arm closer to the body, increases the speed of the punch. It is like a figure skater speeding up by pulling their arms closer. Extension of the arms slows the centrifugal rotation.
Left Hook (Kickboxing):
[See the right hook.]
- Assume a balanced stance left foot forward.
- Tuck your chin.
- Turn the left foot inward.
- Turn the right foot outward and pivot on the ball of the foot like you’re squashing a bug. Push off the rear right foot and transfer your weight from the back leg to the front leg.
- Rotate the hips. Rotate the shoulders. Hide the chin behind the R-H.
- Bend the arm at a 90˚ angle with the palm of the fist facing down. Drive the bent arm into the opponent’s ribs, back, bicep, or head.
- Once you make contact quickly return to your balanced stance place your hands in the guarding position.
Note: You should also jab to cover up as you’re moving back into the guarding position.
Left Uppercut (Kickboxing):
Understanding how to throw this punch is an absolute necessity. If you are inside the opponent’s reach, you must try and land this punch on the chin. Shoot a punch between the opponent’s guard or between their elbows.
- Assume a balanced forward stance
- Tuck your chin. Drop your body weight and bend your knees.
- Bend the arm at a 75˚ angle. Turn the fist so that the palm faces you.
- Turn the right foot inward. Drop the shoulder.
- Push off with the rear right foot and transfer your weight from the back leg to the front leg and drive the punch upward between the opponent’s guard.
- Rotate the hips and shoulders whiling push upward extending the arm.
- Drive your fist under the opponent’s chin.
- Hide your chin behind the L-H and left shoulder.
- Once you make contact quickly return to your balanced stance place you hands in the guarding position.
Note: As you’re moving back to the guarding position throw a right-hook to the body and a left jab until you’re out of the opponent’s range of combat.
Note: Don’t drop the L-H before you throw the punch.
Right Uppercut (Kickboxing):[See the Left Uppercut]
- Tuck your chin. Drop your body weight and bend your knees.
- Bend the arm at a 75˚ angle. Turn the fist so that the palm faces you.
- Turn the left foot inward. Drop the shoulder.
- Push off with the rear left foot and transfer your weight from the back leg to the front leg and drive the punch upward between the opponent’s guard.
- Rotate the hips and shoulders whiling push upward extending the arm.
- Drive your fist under the opponent’s chin.
- Hide your chin behind the R-H and right shoulder.
- Once you make contact quickly return to your balanced stance place you hands in the guarding position
