I can't quite call it a resolution, but I am going to try to write at least one entry in here per week.  I have a feeling that the topics wil shift more towards self defense and martial arts as it's easier for me to write them since I don't have to worry about formatting code and the like.

To that end...

How to make a proper fist

The fist is one of the most basic weapons your body has to offer.  Most non-martial artists think that just balling your hand up is good enough, but they couldn't be further from the truth. Punching something with an improper fist is not only not as effective, but can lead to serious injury - possibly even destroying one of your best weapons with your first strike.

There is a tutorial available on FightingArts.com that is excellent, but I disagree on one very important part - thumb placement.  The author states that thumb placement doesn't really matter, and mentions how different styles go about it differently.  For the purpose of this article, I'm talking about the basic fist from American Kempo.

To make a fist, start with an open hand.  Your fingers should be together.

Next, bend your fingers at the first and second knuckles until your fingertips are resting on the pads just below where your fingers connect to your palm. 

Continue to roll your fingers inward until your knuckles form a 90 degree angle.  I find that my fingertips naturally align on the "heart line" of my palm.

Tuck your thumb against the side of your index finger. 

Why does thumb placement matter? 

Let's take a look at the physiology of the hand.

(Image from Grey's Anatomy)

Notice the muscle groups of the thumb.  When you make a fist and bring the thumb underneath, you're stretching those muscles around the side of your hand.  While it would seem that this would make the fist stronger, it actually does the opposite.  When you bring the thumb alongside the fist, all of the muscles and tendons align together rather than those of your fingers going along the top of your fist and those of your thumb going around and underneath.

A simple way to prove this (and one of my favorite "martial arts parlor tricks") is to have someone make a fist with the thumb underneath.  Using one hand to brace the wrist and the other to push down on the top of the fist, you can easily "break" the wrist - causing it to bend.  If you have the person move the thumb to the side of the fist, it becomes much harder to do so.  This translates directly to how strong your fist will be when you actually hit a target with substance.  If your wrist rolls during a punch, chances are you're going to sprain it pretty badly and you could even cause permanent damage.

An added benefit is the time it takes in making a fist.  I tend to leave my hands open while fighting unless I'm actually throwing a punch.  That microsecond difference between bring the thumb around and tucking it to the side means that I can keep it relaxed longer, only tightening it on impact.  It also helps prevent getting caught on clothing as there is no point in which your thumb is separated from your fingers.

Do you agree?  Disagree?  Does you style use a totally different type of fist?  I'd love to hear about it in the comments.

• martial arts