How to Throw a Palm Strike

The palm strike is a basic but powerful self defense maneuver. All of the steps must be
followed in the order they are given f0r the palm strike to be effective. Be advised: this is not
a knock-out punch and must be followed with further strikes to the body.

WARNING Review all procedures before attempting to use the palm strike.
Do not attempt to use the palm strike for self defense before reviewing all of
the steps and practicing the process several times.

MATERIALS NEEDED

 Hands, preferably.
 A clear work area with enough space to throw a strike without breaking objects or
hurting yourself.

OVERVIEW
The directions for throwing a palm strike are broken down into three different sections:

1. Basic Body Positioning

2. Throwing the Strike
3. Afterward

SECTION 1: BASIC BODY POSTION

Throwing the Palm Strike from the ‘Passive’ or ‘Negotiating’ Stance

A palm strike can be thrown from nearly any position; however, these directions illustrate
the strike being thrown from the basic training position, called the passive or negotiating
stance.

To develop your passive or negotiating stance:

a. Stand in a relaxed position, b. Move your feet shoulder- c. Step back with your right
hands at your side. width apart. foot.
 TIP
*If you are left-handed, step
back with your left foot. You
will also be throwing the palm
strike with your left hand.

*Try not to look aggressive in

d. Raise your hands to
shoulder height.
e. Push your hands out about
two feet in front of you.
this stance; you may be trying
to talk your way out of a
confrontation and you also
don’t want to reduce the
element of surprise that this
stance provides.

After completing steps a through e you will be in a passive or negotiating stance. Now that
you have the basic body position we’ll move on to the mechanics of the lining up the target
and launching the strike.

SECTION 2: THROWING THE STRIKE

Throwing a palm strike is nearly identical to throwing a punch.

DO NOT MAKE A FIST AND LAND THE STRIKE WITH YOUR KNUCKLES.

When you throw a punch you run the risk of breaking or otherwise injuring your hand. If you
land the strike with your knuckles you might split the skin covering the knuckle bone. You
must land the strike with the meaty part of your hand and not your knuckles.

√ x
TIP
Don’t curl your fingers into
your palm or you risk
breaking them on impact. The
palm strike might not seem as
bad-ass as a traditional
punch, but trust me, it wields
just as much power.

WARNING: Serious injury can result from being hit with a palm strike.
Extreme caution must be used when training with partner and care must
be taken not to hit an unyielding object with your hand. Children should
not perform this maneuver unsupervised.
Launch the palm strike by throwing your right hip forward while simultaneously exploding
out with your right arm and hand.

Aim your palm at the center of face or at the chin.

If you are left-handed throw your left hip out while exploding out with your left hand and
arm.

Throwing the Palm Strike Landing the Palm Strike

While using your dominant hand to Aim for the center of your
throw the strike is ideal, you should attacker’s face, or the chin. Try to
practice launching the strike with get as close to your attacker as
your non-dominant hand as well. possible.

REMINDER: The palm strike is an opening salvo. It will not end the
attack. You must stay close to your attacker and follow up with eye-
gouges, knees to the groin, and leaving the situation immediately after
subduing your attacker.

If you have followed the steps correctly, and in order, you should be able to both throw and
land the palm strike.

Landing the strike will likely not end the situation. You will probably have to continue your
attack before getting safely away, and then you must deal with the aftershocks of the event.

SECTION 3: AFTERWARD

The palm strike is a great tool for self defense, but it usually precedes an intense physical
altercation. If you have used the palm strike on an attacker you will have to get safely away
from the area, contact the authorities if necessary, and examine yourself for injuries.