Strikes - Back Fist

Back Fist

A back fist is usually used to the temples, jaw hinges, or ribs. It is executed by striking with the back of the clenched fist (knuckles outward), in an inside to outside, horizontal motion or a downward, vertical motion. The point of contact is the back of the second knuckle. The back fist may be as quick as the job, but it may do much more damage. Three important points to delivering an effective back fist are:

Form. Many instructors tell you to bring your elbow up and cock your arm, before throwing the back fist. Although this is not necessarily wrong, it does tell your opponent that you are going to do something. Also, if you bring your elbow up, you create a target for your opponent to counter strike. Move the hand toward the target first so no signal is given and you maintain maximum protection.

Move fist in a straight line. As stated above, many instructors teach the traditional way of throwing the back fist, with elbow up and arm cocked. The back fist is then thrown as if your elbow and arm were a hinge. This movement takes too much time to reach the opponent and the arcing movement is easy to block by just raising the lead forearm. The shortest and quickest distance between two points is a straight line. The back fist is thrown just to the side of the target and then it snaps horizontally into the target.

Range must be closed quickly. To accomplish this, move your hand first. Most people think that if you move the body before, or at the same time, you throw the back fist, you will achieve maximum efficiency. However, if you move the hand first, you will find the attack is quicker. Keep fist and wrist loose and relaxed for speed, and deliver the back fist with a whipping, snapping movement. At the moment of impact, tighten the fist to create maximum focus and power. Quickly return the back fist to the guard position.

The back fist offers maximum protection since we do not have to compromise our body position to use it effectively. It also gives us maximum range; if executed properly, even 6 feet can be too close to stop it. It is virtually unstoppable if used properly.

• Inverted Back Fist Strike. A strike that is usually used to the temple or ribs. It is executed by striking with the back of the clenched fist (knuckles inward), in an inward horizontal. The point of contact is the back of the second knuckle
• Double Inverted Back Fist Strike. A strike that is usually used to the temple or ribs. Two inverted back fist strikes are executed at the same time to opposite sides of the same target.
• Spinning Back Fist Strike. A strike that is usually used to the temple or ribs. It is executed by rotating the body 360° toward the side executing the strike.
• Flip Back Fist Strike. A strike that is usually used to the face or temple. It is executed by striking with the back of the clenched fist (knuckles toward body) in a backward motion over the top of the shoulder to a target direct behind the shoulder. The point of contact is the back of the second knuckle.