Liver Punch - Martial Arts Striking Technique

The liver punch is a strike to an opponent's liver. This punch is used in many martial arts such as boxing and mixed martial arts. Given the shock to the liver, this punch can incapacitate a boxer during a fight. A liver punch often involves a left hook punch that strikes the right side of the opponent's lower rib cage. This technique is also known as a liver shot.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the liver is about "the size of a football" and "it's located mainly in the upper right portion of your abdomen, beneath the diaphragm and above your stomach". Martial artists also use other techniques such as roundhouse kicks and knee strikes to strike an opponent's liver.

All striking techniques should be supervised by a trained instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. For additional punching information, please visit the section on Martial Arts Punches.

Reference Sources

1. Mayo Clinic, Liver Disease, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/multimedia/the-liver/img-20007443, Added - 06/15/16