The Edge Of Hand vs The HammerFist - Conditioning And Use For Combatives by Carl Cestari

Edge of Hand vs. Hammerfist



At a beginners level there is probably little difference in the use of either
blow. Though the technical uses of each remain separate and distinct, the neophyte will have little use or need for these nuances.

HOWEVER..............If the long-term goal of your training is to refine and develop constantly improving technique, then there are HUGE important differences in the use and effectiveness of PROPER edge of hand and hammer-fist strikes.
Simply stated ANY blow relies on the most basic principle of impact physics. All else being equal, the smaller the striking surface the MORE energy or impact per square inch is delivered to the target.

With the edge of hand, two primary striking points come into play: the bone at the juncture of the base of palm and wrist - and the bone of the pinky knuckle.
The ridge of the blade is also important, but constant training should allow one to strike with MAXIMUM power while concentrating on either of these two
"ball-peens".

The hammer-fist can be made a deadly pinpoint striking weapon by developing the PINKY knuckle (extensor carpi ulnaris) as well as the adjoining finger bone (fifth shaft of the metacarpus). Conditioning these parts of the hammer-fist will allow for a far more devastating and penetrating impact. Smashing the nasion at the point between the eyes with a well conditioning "pinky knuckle" hammer-fist will produce far greater damage than simply bashing at the nose with a "general" edge of fist.

Makiwara, shot-bags, concrete blocks, rough barked trees, whatever.................


CONDITIONING - CONDITIONING - CONDITIONING!

Once developed this "hammer-fist" can be used against many MORE vital targets than just a blow using the entire "meat" of the side of fist.  Much in the same way as LEARNING to punch with the INDEX FINGER FIST KNUCKLE alone (as opposed to the standard two knuckle landing) will afford you a weapon that has truly lethal capabilities, this style hammer-fist is truly devastating.

Just like you sharpen and hone your blades, you MUST sharpen and hone your natural weapons.

The ability to use the knuckles of the thumb, the thumb tip, the index finger knuckle, the middle finger knuckle, the ridge knuckles of the fist (arrow fist) may at first seem NOT worth the effort, HOWEVER the REASON that these blows were stressed in Jujutsu-Judo ATEMI was because they were VERY EFFECTIVE in combination/conjunction with close-quarters grappling.

Not only for vital area striking, but also for the application of "shinkeiwaza" or pressure point attacks (which are NOT blows). A cobra-like whipping action of not more than 6 to 8 inches distance to the nasion or philtrum with a CONDITIONED "arrow fist" will cause MASSIVE damage and is
easily combined with close in grappling maneuvers. The list goes on and on.

This close-in combined grappling/striking usage is what really separates Jujutsu-Judo ATEMI from Karate and boxing style strikes.

For use in a real fight................definitely worth the effort to develop, strengthen and CONDITION.

CC