Hammer strike

[Ray_McCullough]

With the hammer strike, what is the striking surface? And a step should be used with the strike ,just as in cutting with the sword?

[M Wallgren]

To the first question I say the area fleshy hard heavy area that is composed of the "bottom" of your hand and your pinkyfinger. And to the second statment my answer is indeed yes!

[david welch]

And if you hold a dagger, you are stabbing in a reverse grip. I think every thing was very well systemized, so you really only had to learn on piece of "software", and then you could just exchange your "hardware". Halfsword software = poll axe software. Sword strike software = unarmed strike software = dagger strike software = ...

[M Wallgren]

I belive so too!

[Shane Smith]

I agree with M Wallgren. My years of Asian MA study always stressed the use of the fleshy part of the closed fist as designated by him. It can be done with a pass, step, or neither at need.

[Ray_McCullough]

Thanks guys

I can see this being very destructive. I was showing my 4 yr old how to hit a baseball. She instictively steps and strikes in the same way you cut with a sword. It is cool to me how natural this motion is. Allthough not helpful hitting a baseball.LOL

Thanks for the help.

[Mike Cartier]

My research into ancient Greek Pankration introduced me to the Hammerfist strike and it is my humble opinion that while the ptimum striking surface is the hand its almost as effective even halfway down the forwarm. This is what makes it such a unique strike , this uyse of the whole arm feeds directly into the switch from striking range to grappling range.

This can be done with or without step as described but also can be done across the body, with small chopping movements almost like a jab or even done doubly if you are feeling fancy. This strike was known as the chopper in Pugilism.

You can see many examples of the preparation to Hammerfist in the striknig archives on this site.
Historical Pankration Project

I will be working on an article focused on the Hammerfist and its use in Pankration in the coming months , when I do I will post it here. I will try to provide some video with it to help with explanation.

[Dan Kanagie]

According to the English texts I've read on BKB the striking surface is everything from the fleshy part of the fist, all the way down the forearm. In some modern street styles it's refered to as the Louisville Slugger.

[Mike Cartier]

well finally got my Hammerfist article together, its more of a historical perspective than an instructional article.
Hammerfist Article

[JeffGentry]

Hey Mike

Another good article, I think the hammer fist is one of the most effective and misunderstood strike's there is, when you look at alot of the block's taught in most MA the seem to be designed for powerful downward, or hooking blow's, as opposed to straight punch's which are best slipped and countered(IMO).

Jeff

[Mike Cartier]

I agree Jeff and i know Mark Hatmaker loves the hammers too

[Randall Pleasant]

Mike

Man...I have got to get me a hog punching bag! <img src="/forum/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Aaron Pynenberg]

just make sure it's dead Ran, otherwise they could really make a mess of the basement!

[JeffGentry]

Aaron got to hear my little sermon about the hammer strike when he was here last April.

Jeff

[Aaron Pynenberg]

ahhh sure did, I know you have been singing it's praises for at least a year, AP