Side Palm

The side palm is a somewhat under appreciated striking tool. While most are familiar with the forward palm strike, the side palm has additional, overlooked benefits. Namely, the side palm turns an opponent’s face sideways when it lands on the jaw. This alone may not knock anyone out, but it can leaves the opponent looking in the wrong direction unable to see the cross or hook that is coming next. No, this is not legal in the ring, but it is an excellent self-defense tool. Also, the use of the side palm prevents the breaking of the knuckles when striking barehanded.

The side palm is formed by pointing the fingers out at a 90 degree angle. It is delivered like a jab or cross with a slight push on impact. This push is what turns the opponent’s head. While the side palm is not the best option for knockouts, it has many benefits to it that make it a very underrated striking tool.

In the old days, the side palm was commonly employed in bare knuckle boxing. Perhaps it deserves a new examination today.