How To Make A Fist

In this video I show how to make a proper fist for bare knuckle striking. I break down the three major ways to make a fist and explain which one to use and why.

Many boxers and martial artists are under the illusion that just clenching your hands into a fist is the natural way to make a fist for fighting and training but after watching this video you'll know it's not.

Making a proper fist is essential when it comes to protecting yourself in a street-fight or sparring or just hitting the heavy bag at the gym.

So if you want to hit like you got two bricks at the end of your wrists then watch the video and pay attention to how to make a fist.

Not only will you hit harder,but you'll also be protecting your hands from injury as your fists become lethal weapons.

[BareFisted]

I like the roll cause I can press on the top of the pad of the hand which will cause the knuckles to pop up higher. This can cause more damage to an opponents face and body.
But on the other hand the slide is a lot more safer to do, also if someone has longer fingers the slide works better.
Another way you can make a strong fist that works great is to just bring press the fingers to the palm and place the thumb on the index finger.
Hope this answers your question.
Take care
Daniel~

[rbtrbt]

Another great video. Another reason to keep your fists tight at all times when your around striking distance is because when you're in the guard position and they happen to come in with a punch but your guard hand is in the way protecting your face area, your arm will by taut and not limp. Your fists will likely still by pushed into your face but not nearly as hard if you kept your fists limp. And don't let the back of your hands face the attacker. If they're hit, they break easily.

[BareFisted]

Thanks for the comment Wo Ra, and I think learning both ways to fight (Sport vs Street) is a good way to train.

[BareFisted]

Hey Super, finger tip push ups and knuckle push ups will work just fine.

You can also do finger tip wall push outs, the way you do these is by facing a wall about 3 feet away, then placing your finger tips on the wall, push off the wall and as you come back, ballistically push off again.

You should be at a 35 - 45 degree angle, as you get stronger lean further away from the wall.

Do 3-5 sets of 10 reps.

You can also do those wall push outs with single, double, or triple fingers.

[gianluigidautilia]

this man knows what he is talking about. Good advices. thank you

[BareFisted]

Do knuckle push ups and finger tip push ups. Also start hitting a maize bag filled with beans and sand (about 15 pounds).

[eddyjawed]

best situation is not to fight in the first place if you can avoid, but am very grateful for your tips. 

[raphaelhenryperez]

great video sir.. thanks a lot .. it helps me to have a strong fist.. not like other video on youtbe..direct  to the point.. i helps me a lot..

[BareFisted]

You might try getting in contact with USMTA.com they are located in NY. Glad the video was helpful to you.
Take care
Daniel~

[poland_stronk]

No worries, people who train bareknuckle boxing usually are not talker type :D
Keep up good job and post more videos. Now I learn from myboxingcoach which is VERY nice stuff to start with but it's basiclly sport boxing so stances, moving and tactics etc. are very well explained but I miss instructions about punches and tactics without gloves... so I watch 1 movie from myboxingcoach and 1 from BareFisted

Maybe you don't have views but you have an elite club here :D

[webherring]

Thanks for your reply. Helps me understand why some prefer the roll.

Personally, when I try the roll, the finger tips slide off the top of the pad of the hand and end up in the slide position anyway.

Take care.

[Natum]

Thanks for the video you mention the rolling your fist in one of your blog post a while ago, thanks for the explanation. You bring up good point on clinching your fist although it may seem solid on closer inspection it is petty loose and can your first two knuckles stick out too much.

[BareFisted]

Depends on what type of uppercut you throw, usually you will want to use all four knuckles straight up under the chin.
I like to use a diagonal uppercut with the three knuckle landing right under the side of the chin, to snap the head back and turn it. Hope this answers your question.
Daniel~

[xlpaintplr]

I know you did this a while back but just seen it good info bro... I learned something new today. Thanks

[BareFisted]

I think the reason it looks pointed is because when you are making a fist the thumb is across the first two fingers (index and middle fingers).

It should just be across the first finger only, then the fist will flatten out naturally.

[BareFisted]

You need to drop step punch with your left jab, as for your hook and uppercut, you need to step over with your right foot in the direction of the strike, this brings your whole body into the punch provided you make impact with your strike before your foot touches the ground.

[webherring]

Thx for this video. Glad you describe both the roll and the slide. Can you please comment why you prefer roll vs slide, or does it depend on the individual's hand?

I've always done the slide. I find grabbing the meaty part of the palm to be very solid, like a roll of dimes. I find the roll up method leaves a big gap between my first row of knuckles and my palm heel. If I miss and hit flat on the fist instead of the knuckles, there's no support to prevent the fingers from over-bending.

[rollingnay]

Another great video. This is info you just don't get reading the internet or listening to instructors that never fought a day in their lives. This is amazing information.

Having trouble recognizing the difference between the regular clinch fist (first fist you showed which you said is spongy) and the "rolled fist" which is your favorite. Even with reading the comments still having trouble understanding the main difference between those two.

Second question (sorry) is if you have a recommendation for best fist if have someone (me) has some arthritis in the hands. The "slide" seemed decent, as I don't feel too much pressure/uncomfortableness . In general though, Making two tight fists kinda feels really tight and uncomfortable to me (maybe I'm making them to tight?). So maybe I should use the fighting stance where you have one fist and one open hand and only make the fist right before you throw it/at impact? Suggestion?8

[BareFisted]

Thanx rbt4rbt for the comment and your insight.

[RJC]

Hello I am very interested in learning old style of muay thai not mma verison would you happen to know any schools in new york or brooklyn, ny. And wow I never knew there was way to close the fist the slide works great for me thanks