Panther Strike - to the throat

This is nearly the same to the leopard punch/strike, also called a half fist or ginger root punch. The reason for using this to the throat is that it is natural instinct for a person to lower their chin/head when they see a high level strike coming their way. Making it likely that a punch to the throat is only going to result in hurting the knuckles of the hand on the chin of the opponent. But due to the softness of the throat and fair durability of the second phalangeal knuckles on the hand it makes for a great strike that can slip between the chin and collar bone to hit the throat.

Instructions for Technique

• The thumb gets tucked on the side of the hand similar to a palm heel strike
• The second and third phalange knuckles get curled to the max
• At the same time the metacarpal phalangeal knuckle (which you normally punch with) gets kept straight
• Contact of the strike is then made with the middle knuckle of the fingers

Injury: Fairly serious injury can be done to the cartilage on the front of the throat. Shock, pain, and gasping for breath are immediate results buying the defender sufficient time to handle the situation or get away. It is also possible that the bone in the throat can be knocked out of place or be broken causing serious injury to the neck so be careful when practicing with a partner.

For more strikes to this target please see the throat page