How do you punch using the waist in kung-fu?

In kung-fu as well as other styles, you punch with both feet firmly planted and rooted and you rotate your hips/waist to throw the punch.





I'm use to the orthodox boxing method where you will pivot the rear foot and then the hips/waist to throw the punch so I'm using both my lower and upper body to generate power.





The both feet being firmly planted throws me off. I'm just using upper body rotation. I can't seem to generate power with that.|||Yes their are kung fu styles that have boxing style punches. They are usually family systems of Kung fu.


As part of a family martial art I practice 2 forms of Wing Chun, Kickboxing, and Nan Chuan. I end up using all styles of punching as each has its uses.





Punching without the shoulder movement is not as powerful as a boxing punch, but by keeping the shoulders square, you will be able to block better. The better blocking will allow you to get off your moves that allow you to control weak opponents and when it comes to trapping, you will be able to set up your boxing punches by immortalizing an opponents limb for a brief moment. This all starts by keeping the shoulders square.





Moreover, staying square when you punch increases the structural strength of a punch which means that a punch can act as a block as you will often see with the Wing Chun vertical fist.





Also, I saw someone who came up with a video of chain punching. With kung fu, punches in rapid succession is one way to get maximum damage without having optimal power. Another is to consider the small hand techniques.





In sum, don't freak out. This style of punching will give you some different defensive options take it for what it is and incorporate your boxing back into it once you begin to understand the Kung fu system of defense.|||wow thats so cool...punching with your waist


so if you were like armless then you could still defend yourself using something other than like your teeth or head or legs


so if you were headless, legless and armless you would still have a chance!|||SEE source.





I don't believe this method of striking maximizes the human weapon, but you're the one asking the question.|||In Tai Chi and Kungfu they call it Fajing and it should be done ultimately in an explosive manner so your body is throwing the strike. This is very different from boxing or Karate. To develop this you need to do the techniques slowly in a Tai Chi manner so that all the sinews and bones work simultaneously. This is important as you are no longer using muscle power to throw the techniqe. But you are using superior body dynamics from throwing your centre of weight. Dificult concept to get but you need to learn to centre your power in your waste then it becomes quite simple. My advice google Fajing or Erle Montaigue as is a little tricky.|||Well.... I can't comment on what you may be missing in your efforts to punch in the "kung fu" way. It could be a matter of timing, body coordination, or a misunderstanding of how the base (your feet, legs, etc.) is "rooted".





A punch is really about what is the most effective and safest way (for you) to transfer energy from your body through your fist into a target.





Bruce Lee said you have to "put your hip into it and snap it". Tai Chi Chuan has a principle that the upper body is directed by the waist. So, it really is a matter of how to effectively, explosively utilize the punch.





Best advice.... Research the principles (what do the old teachers say makes a technique work) and research your own experience. (Do the "lab" work on different punching mediums. Heavy bag, focus mitts, a piece of paper hanging by a string, or even a candle flame.) Don't blindly take the word of some teacher who can only show a powerful punch under strict conditions and with extensive set up. Don't mistake a parlor trick for an effective technique.





Be well.