What is a kung-fu punch like ?

Question

I know in kung-fu, they punch with a twisting motion utilizing their body weight. Some western boxers punch like this also. When they do a right punch, they would put their weight on their left (lead ) leg and pivot on the balls of their right (rear ) foot and twist throwing their weight into the punch.

Do kung-fu styles punch in the same manner? I heard from some that they do while others say they don't pivot their feet, both remain flat on the ground. I think if you are throwing your body weight into the punch, you do have to pivot at least one foot.

Answer 1

A good kungfu punch is like any other good punch. Turning into a straight bow and arrow punch, both feet pivot in the direction of the punch. The front-facing foot may remain inward a little bit to ‘keep the door closed.’ Pivoting a foot doesn't mean the foot has to lift off the ground. The power aggregation goes from feet to legs to waist to chest to shoulder to arm to fist.

Answer 2

Shaolin dragon style teaches pivoting at the heel and twisting the waist for a basic punch. There are other details that I didn't include. Many punches involve a weigh shift towards target but strikes are often hidden in "blocks" and vice versa. Heel pivoting also moves your body about 10-12 inches, making you a moving target. Styles that pivot on ball of feet remain in the same spot making them more vulnerable and having to rely on their blocks.

Answer 3

I am no kung fu expert. One of the most basic punch in kung fu we put or left hand on or hips , left legs in front right leg behind, right fist out which is what we call a bow and arrow stance. It is certainly simliary to boxing punch but B&A stance the rear foot does not pivot like a boxer.
the technique is no way practical for real fight, but it is so great for training lower body strength.

Answer 4

some styles do, others don't

I know xing yi does especially, they/we (if it is legit teaching) use foot to leg to hips to shoulders, etc.

Depending on the strike we are also taught to generate power in other movements, including throws and breaking someone's guard (standing not groundfighting).

Much of the power generation has similarities to boxing in that very little of it actually comes from the extremity actually striking you. Punch and arm power come primarily from the shoulders and legs.

A common axiom is find the power and the technique will follow.

EDIT: the most powerfull punch in any martial art is the "Donkey Punch" or the slight variation of that called the "Tony Danza".

Answer 5

if you are throwing from a rear shoulder, you need to use the whole torso to propel the fist further. if you dont use body torque, you fall short of both range and power.

Answer 6

no matter how you punch, if the punching can hurt a people, that is a good punch.

Answer 7

if you already know why are you asking?neither boxing or martial arts only uses bodyweight.there is no power in body weight.

Answer 8

like water flowing down the mountain...