How To Punch Like Bruce Lee

While the fact remains that very few of Bruce Lee's fights were actually documented, we can all still agree that the man knew how to punch. While the way he fought looked almost superhuman, it still stands that the man was once taught how to fight—by people, not a genetic mutation. So, the obvious question is: can I punch like Bruce Lee?

The following steps might not turn you into the 5-foot-8-inch powerhouse that Bruce Lee was, but they'll certainly offer some insight as to how he could take down a man from an inch away. There's an uncouth joke in there somewhere...

1. Place your punching foot forward 

Both the doling and receiving of punches starts off in a similar fashion: assuming the stance. If you punch with your right hand, put your right foot forward. If you're a miserable genetic southpaw mistake like I am, reverse the stance and put your left foot forward. Bend both knees slightly and center your torso. 

2. Hold your fist correctly 

When performing the one-inch punch, the wrist is held with the knuckles turned horizontally, and is then moved up when the strike is produced. As with any punch, you want to close your hand so that your fingers fold over your palm with thumb tucked around. 
   

3. Put your whole body into it

As Jessica Rose, Stanford University's biomechanical researcher explains, the punch is less about the fist and more of a full-body movement. "When watching the one-inch punch, you can see that his leading and trailing legs straighten with a rapid, explosive knee extension." 

The twist of Lee's hips lurches the shoulder of his thrusting arm forward, giving him momentum and power, ensuring the person on the receiving end of the punch gets—as the kids say—rekt. 

4. The secret is in the flick of the wrist

According to Popular Mechanics, “Flicking his wrist just prior to impact [increased] the fist velocity.” This flick shortens the impact of the blow, compresses the force, and adds that last bit of power to destroy your enemies. Hopefully this little explainer will help you banish your foes and send them onto the last pain-train to Deadville.


Jeremy Glass is a staff writer for Supercompressor and punches his enemies the old-fashioned way.

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