Is Open Hand Striking Better?

Bartitsu may be approached for historical authenticity, or as a practical method for self defense that happens to have interesting historical roots.

Sometimes, the practical modern gentleman's defensive tactics are only different from the historical as a matter of preference, of efficiency, or focusing on different expectations. Here, we'll be talking about self-defense, not sport-fighting.

The one major difference between modern striking and bare-knuckle boxing is open hand versus closed fist. When practicing Bartitsu, should you use the punch to the face which is universally taught in historical pugilism?

Protect Yourself (Including Your Knuckles)

Most modern self defence systems acknowledge that striking the face with the knuckles of a fist is as likely to break the hand as the face being struck. The better choice for strikes to the skull is a palm strike or a hammer-fist.

You are not going to be wearing any protective hand wraps if attacked in the street, and neither would a gentleman in the 1890's. It was just as wrong back then to assume that boxing training was perfect for self-protection as it would be today. No reasons of wardrobe or the human condition would protect the Victorian's knuckles compared to yours.

We also know that the primary target in bare-knuckle boxing was "the mark" or the pit of the stomach, not the face, indicating not only the value of guarding against body-shots, but the reluctance of striking the head.

Integration with Jujitsu

This would be undeniably true if we were only talking about defense against a surprise attack from a boxer or the punch of a ruffian. It is doubly true when the types of attacks you should be able to defend yourself against include grabs, strangulation, tackles and other grappling assaults.

Our strategy for finishing the fight in Bartitsu relies on takedowns and joint locks, so having an open hand during your strike will also lead to better jujitsu integration. You will find more opportunities to grab, push and pull destabilize your opponent when your hands are open.

The Inoffensive Ready Stance

Having both hands open, showing the palms, is universally taken as a sign of non-aggression. However, it is espoused by Krav Maga and other practical defensive fighting systems as a fundamental ready stance because the hands are in a position to deflect and strike with open hand techniques without any preparatory action.

You could think of it as being "tricky", but I hope your intention is to de-escalate the situation instead of fighting anyway. Remember that our first principle of safety is Avoidance. Let's not start fights by being combative. Instead, be ready for a fight while talking down the aggressor. Open hands communicate your peaceful intention without compromising your safety.

Should All Strikes Be Open-Handed?

The closed fist is still useful for punches to the mark, which may be the best strike for ending violence quickly. The concentrated energy behind the closed fist can collapse the lungs and send the ruffian to the cobblestones.

The hammer-fist strike with the edge of the hand can be done open handed like the stereotypical "karate-chop" or with a closed fist which can protect the bones of the hand while delivering more force to any target. The chopper is a hammer-fist that is used for defending the mark and the ribs, and as a hammer-fist attack.

So my general rules for striking in neo-Bartitsu are:

• Adopt an open-handed ready stance, showing your opponent your palms with body angled
• Use palm strikes to the face instead of the lead punch or cross
• Use a hammer-fist or "karate chop" for blows to the side of the head (temple, jaw), back of the head or collarbone
• Use the traditional cross punch or low uppercut to the mark, kidneys, or floating ribs
• Use the rising hook to the corner of the jaw with a closed fist only if you see a sure knockout (rarely)

Weekday Bartitsu Classes!

Starting at the beginning of October, Bartitsu will be offered Wednesday evenings, 8pm-10pm. If you've been unable to join us on Saturdays, you now have a second option.

Remember that your next opportunity to start is our Fight Like Sherlock Holmes series of 4-Saturdays starting 5 October.

Head of Stage Combat at Academie Duello and certified Instructor with Fight Directors Canada. Head of Bartitsu at Academie Duello, the longest continuously running Bartitsu program in the world.
Read more from David McCormick.