No matter if the attacker is small or large, a hammer fist strike can be extremely effective in self defense. It can be used by the young and old, big and small, and it can yield a significant blow regardless of your strength. Most importantly, it can provide an opportunity for you to escape an attack, so it is one of the most important physical techniques we teach at COBRA.
THE WHAT: It is instinctive to curl your hand into a fist when under threat. In a hammer fist strike, the bottom of a fist is used to strike a blow similar to how a hammer would hit a nail.
THE WHY: A hammer fist strike can generate a lot of power without damaging your hand. Due to bio-mechanics, a hammer fist can be applied on multiple planes of motion without losing much power when compared to traditional punches. This means you can really whack hard and very effectively in a relatively safe fashion. You can hit hard and sensitive areas, like right on the bridge of the nose, and your hand is going to be fine.
THE HOW: The key with this strike is to hit with the soft part of your fist which is cushioned. This area of your hand is naturally padded (versus knuckles) and, unlike a regular punch, there is less chance of damage to the hand of the striker, making it more practical for self defense.
THE WHEN: Use whenever an attacker gets close and you feel under threat. Try not telegraph your move by swinging back. Just curl your hands into a vertical hammer fist, step in, drop your weight, and hit the guy hard in the face (or wherever you can). This isn’t necessarily about winning a fight, it’s about doing enough to get away from the attacker.
It’s self defense tool you must know because a basic strike that is easy to use, yet it can save your life. If you’re ever attacked or in a situation you don’t want to be in, a hammer fist might be able to get you away. That’s always the aim and the best way to get home safely to the people you love. Because that’s where you belong.
For more tools like this, and to practice techniques for yourself or someone you love, contact me now to book your private self-defense lessons.
