Marine Corps Martial Arts Tan Belt - Rear Hand Punch

This section focuses on tan belt techniques used by the Marine Corps martial arts program. This page examines how to do a rear hand punch in the Marine Corps martial arts program. To learn about other martial arts punches, please visit the main Punches & Hand Strikes section. Information from Public Domain Document, MCRP 3-02B, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP).

For more Marine Corps techniques, please visit the main Marine Corps Martial Arts Program section.

Rear Hand Punch

The rear hand punch is a snapping punch that is executed by the rear hand. This is a power punch that is designed to inflict the maximum damage on your aggressor. The power comes from pushing off of your rear leg while rotating your hips and shoulders.

Striking Surface

The striking surface is the first two knuckles of the fist.

Target Areas of the Body

Soft tissue areas such as the nose, the jaw, and the throat are the primary target areas.

Technique

~ Assume the basic warrior stance.
~ Rotate your hips and shoulders forcefully toward the aggressor and thrust your rear hand straight out, palm down, to nearly full extension.
~ Shift your body weight to your lead foot while pushing off on the ball of your rear foot.
~ Your rear heel may raise or flare off of the deck.
~ Keep your lead hand in place to protect your head.
~ Make contact on the aggressor with the first two knuckles of your fist.
~ Rapidly return to the basic warrior stance.
~ The fist travels out and back in a straight line. A common mistake is to pull back low and then reset. This is incorrect and leaves you open to a counterattack.
See figure 2-7.

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References

1. Information from Public Domain Document, MCRP 3-02B, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), http://www.marines.mil/News/Publications/ELECTRONICLIBRARY.aspx, Added - 02/18/15