Martial Arts Techniques and Kung Fu Moves: The Back Fist

In kung fu, the backfist is a traditional movement of the leopard style. The backfist is a very fast and effective punch when used correctly, although not as powerful compared to some of the other punching techniques, but potentially it can be very damaging due to its whip like action.

The backfist may be used as a component of a combination of strikes and blocks or even as a block and strike in the one movement. A common favourite method is the spinning backfist (similar to the smashing fist in the 16 barehands form in level one), which is often used in response to a strong leg or arm block which causes the student to pivot away from his opponent – in this case the pivot momentum is deliberately continued by the student and the backfist deployed with extra fist velocity gained via the spinning movement.

Compared to the mechanics of the straight or square fist in which the piston type of arm action used and power generated from the deliberate hip movement is effectively a violent pushing (straight) motion, the back fist has less raw power and relies more heavily on the speed of the circular path followed by the fist and accuracy of target identification and delivery.

As mentioned, target identification and accurate delivery of the strike is very important to make the backfist an effective technique. But utilising some of the Dim Mak Chinese pressure points knowledge gained at the Golden Lion Academy, the student can easily compensate for the reduction in power and deliver very effective blows. Whilst often targeted for points on the face or head the backfist can just as easily be employed for impact to other sensitive points on the opponent’s body.

Finally speed must be discussed. As with all kung fu moves and martial artrs techniques, the back fist movement is initially performed slowly with speed increased as confidence grows. To master the movement it must be practised many times until it can be delivered very quickly and accurately.

A description of the backfist technique as a fundamental exercise follows:

- From a right guard fighting stance- Step you your left foot behind your right foot into a cross step (at the same time keep the rear hand in a guard position to protect yourself).- Make a loose fist with the right hand.- Focus on your selected target (e.g. temple); on the point of contact impact is made with the first two knuckles.- The right striking fist is withdrawn rapidly completing the whip like action.

With regular practise this kung fu back fist in your list of martial arts techniques and moves can be a very fast and effective technique for all martial artists.Good luck with your training.

Contribution from Trevor Byass, Kung fu Student Berwick

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