Each week MASTERCLASS gives you brief but key information on how to optimise a simple Krav Maga strike or technique.
This MASTERCLASS covers DOUBLE STRAIGHT OPEN PALM STRIKE. This strike is a part surprise, part set-up strike using both palms together, before following up with further strike combinations.
The double straight open palm strike is conducted from a position of looking placating or submissive, prior to preemptively striking first.
It can be preceded by moving away in camouflage stance (SEE MASTERCLASS: CAMOUFLAGE STANCE AND MOVEMENT) whilst verbally expressing a disinclination to fight, revealing the intent and means of the aggressor to pursue and intimidate, then preemptively striking when the opportunity (the distance where you can almost reach your opponent with an outstretched hand, or closer) is available. This verbal and movement pre-fight action is part of your legal self defence.
The double straight open palm strike is aimed directly at your opponent’s nose, aiming to break it and move their head and body backwards, initiating a wider foot stance during rebalancing, setting up a groin kick or further straight open palm (jab and cross-style) hand strikes.
The double straight open palm strike is unconventional and when conducted from a submissive stance, highly surprising, allowing you to take the initiative in the confrontation. Most people will not strike in this way from this position.
HOW TO DO THE DOUBLE STRAIGHT OPEN PALM STRIKE
A straight front hand strike is the shortest route at medium range to hit the opponent’s head. Protect your hand by striking open palm, aimed to break the nose.
Hold your hands up between your face and the opponent’s face, away from you, close together with fingers spread and one thumb at the back of the hand and one at the front of the other, creating a shield with elbows closer together (protecting your torso) and with an angle at the elbow point. This arm frame should be rigid and able to resist a straight punch of head butt into it. You should be able to see over and through your fingers.
Explosively, send both hands and shoulders forward first, with elbow lows, keeping your palms together until you connect. Avoid stepping first - as lesser mass travelled is quicker, but land with one leg forward as you rebalance yourself forward. Bring the back leg with you as your enter fighting stance (SEE MASTERCLASS: FIGHTING STANCE).
Aim just beyond the target (nose) connecting with the palms of your hands and recoil every quickly on impact as if you’ve touched a burning hot stove to transfer maximum energy into the target.
Breathe out in a single exhale.
As your opponent moves backwards, you are now ready to continue with other strikes such as further hand, elbow and groin strikes. (SEE NEXT MASTERCLASS PRO FOR SUITABLE FOLLOW-UP COMBINATIONS).
HOW TO PRACTICE THE DOUBLE FOREARM STRIKE
Start by practicing in a dry drill, paying close attention to the frame and rigidity of your hand and arm position.
Continue to send this frame forward until you lose balance and step forward landing in fighting stance.
Work the strike on a larger striking pad or training head (with a partner) to work on power.
Apply various continuation strikes, either on a partner (slow, controlled) or in dry drills.
Picture:The Krav Maga Educator Orjan Pettersen for online tutorials. Orjan Pettersen is coaching the hand and arm position preceding the strike. ALL VIDEOS ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR ONLINE LEARNING AT WWW.SPARTANS-EDU.ORG.