in ,

Dumb Questions Answered – Bruce Lee’s Punch

How can I do Bruce Lee’s one-inch punch?

Step 1
Make a fist – but be sure not to wrap your fingers around your thumb. Use your three bottom knuckles to make contact. The bones of those fingers extend into the forearm, making them much less likely to break when making contact.

Step 2
Stand perpendicular to the target. When practicing, make sure that’s not a person. Your legs should be slightly more than shoulder-width apart. While the movement is small, you put a lot into it, so make sure you’re balanced for the strike.

Step 3
Now move your outstretched arm to within an inch of a soft pad. If you’re lazy, just lay on the couch and use a cushion. You’re going to be repeating this about a billion times to build control and wrist strength, so there’s no need to destroy your hand yet.

Step 4
The key motion is a flick of the wrist. Pop your hand forward while keeping your elbow is centred. Take your time with each hit. Eventually, have a friend hold a target to assess your power. If you shatter his sternum, consider that a positive sign.

For more Dumb Questions Answered grab a copy of the August 2011 issue of MAXIM Australia – available from Woolworths, Coles, Coles Express, 7-Eleven, BP or your local newsagent until August 17, 2011. Or click here to subscribe. (Australian residents only).

If you’ve got a question you want answered, send it to us here.

Melissa Kelly

Dumb Questions Answered – International Waters