RE: Vertical or Horizontal Fist

> 678 opined:
> MeadeR wrote:
> 
> > Just to put my two-cents in - I've been in Isshinryu for a short time.
> > I think some of the differences would be distance and speed.  The
> > vertical punch is a bit faster and shorter (good for close in
> > punching) where a horizontal covers a bit more distance and his more
> > of a thrust then a snap.  
> > [snip]
> 
> If you are right, then you can reach farther away with your arm when you 
> have your palm faced down than when you have it faced other ways?
> 
> I doubt it.

But we are not talking about placing knuckles on a person, we are talking
about hitting them.  

When using the bottom 3 knuckles (vert) the fist will rotate about the wrist
so that the smallest knuckle digs in more than the biggest knuckle - that's
hard to do with you elbow straight.

When a 2 knuckle (horiz) punch focuses, having the elbow straight(er) is not
an issue

I have no preference.  I think 3 knuckle/vert is close range and fast - the
other is slower and more energetic, although perhaps less impulsive. (using
the word impulsive in its math' sense)

HTH

Neil