This video is a reply on the subject of striking. Whatever prompted it, striking is one of those subjects where a lot of poor advice gets passed around, so it is worth going back to the fundamentals of what makes a strike work.

This write-up is for martial artists and self-defence students who want a clear, practical view of striking rather than arguments about style.

Strikes Are Judged By Results

The only test that matters is whether the strike does its job. It does not matter which style it comes from, whether it looks traditional or modern, or whether it matches what someone else was taught. If it lands on target, with power, and leaves you balanced and safe, it works.

The Fundamentals

Every effective strike I have ever seen gets these right:

  • Range. You are at the right distance, not reaching and not jammed.
  • Balance. You stay on your feet and ready for the next move.
  • Angle. The strike comes in at an angle that suits the target.
  • Power. It comes from the ground and the hips, delivered relaxed, and travels through the target.
  • Target. It lands on something that matters, such as the jaw or a pressure point, not just the general area.
  • Follow-up. It is part of a combination, never a single hopeful shot.

Common Mistakes

Most poor striking comes from a few habits. Tension that slows the strike down. Reaching from too far away. Arm-only strikes with no body behind them. Hitting the surface instead of through the target. And judging strikes on how they look in the air rather than what they do on a bag or pad.

How To Practise

Test your striking on a heavy bag and on pads. Ask honest questions after each round. Did it land where I aimed? Was I balanced? Did it have real power? Then fix one thing at a time. When you work with a partner, use pads and protection and keep control, especially near the head.

Take It Further

If you want to put more power into your strikes, take a look at Power Black. For the targets and angles that make strikes far more effective, see the Pressure Point Fighting Course.