Russian Style Punches?

**chaosexmachina** · Posted On: 8/02/2005 4:04am

I've always noticed that Russian fighters (Fedor, Igor) had a particular style of punching, it's almost like they shoot out the arm with the knuckles facing the opponent and they try to snap the knuckles towards themselves. It's hard to explain.

My friend said this is called casting, and I tried looking it up, but no luck.

So what is this technique all about? Why do they do it? Does it make a difference?

**chaosexmachina** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 12:48am

160 + views and no response? Someone HAS to know SOMETHING.

**Year Zero** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 1:30am

While there is some form of Russian boxing that is a part of Combat Spetsnaz SAMBO I cannot say if he is using that. It could just be a technique he developed on his own. I've seen a lot of people develop nuances to basic moves that work better for some people.

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 1:32am

Yeah, this is actually how I like throwing my punches. They loop a bit and the idea is to connect to your base upon impact. It's supposed to be done with as little energy as possible. I've ko'd only 1 person with this type of punching but I could never get my punches as crisp as western boxing so I worked with a few Russians about 7 years ago and they suggested me doing this because of my long arms.

**Year Zero** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 1:44am

Originally Posted by omega

Yeah, this is actually how I like throwing my punches. They loop a bit and the idea is to connect to your base upon impact. It's supposed to be done with as little energy as possible. I've ko'd only 1 person with this type of punching but I could never get my punches as crisp as western boxing so I worked with a few Russians about 7 years ago and they suggested me doing this because of my long arms.

1. Did they ever mention where this style came from?

2. Take us through that type of punch step by step because I am actually getting pretty intrigued by this. I want to try to visualize it.

I have trouble getting details about "Russian fisticuffs"(their term) because all the material on it is in VERY bad English. About a year from now I will be moving to some Russian state so I might be able to get more information at the source.

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 1:50am

Nah, they never did tell me where it's from. The idea is to drop the elbow into the side and shift the power through the hips first relaxing the shoulder. The as you rotate the punch you reconnect the tension in the shoulders. I found out this is great for offensive punching but you can't get your hands back fast enough for boxing style matches.

**Bang!** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 3:14am

There are plusses and minuses there, but this style of punching seems to lend itself particularly well to striking from mount or in someone's guard.

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 3:22am

From guard yes and also from some little ***** afraid you're going to kick or do a take down.....

**RobP** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 4:11am

The method is pretty much common throughout all the Russian styles - the different strains of systema, rukopashni boi, or whatever else you want to call them. You can see it in this clip of trad Russian arts:

http://www.systemauk.com/video/TRAD.WMV