Get a Grip!

I'm always amazed at the robustness of techniques found in classical martial arts. Lets take a look at the basic hand grip.


A Punch

The basic hand grip forms the foundation of making a fist for a punch (and other hand strikes). Making a fist first starts with the pinky finger and works it's way up to the index finger. 

Each finger is rolled down until the tip of the finger meets the base of the finger. When this is done for all fingers you actually have formed the hand for a half-fist punch or leopard-fist punch.

You then curl the fingers into form the core of the punch.

Finally adding the thumb locks the other fingers in place and forms your full punching fist.

Old School Weapon Grip

This proper fist formation is also used as the foundation for holding weapons. The proper weapon grip has the haft of the weapon held tight with the back three fingers. The index finger and the thumb are used last to help direct and move the weapon, but not as much for support of holding. Here I am, using the proper grip on the nunchaku (note: the grip on the nunchaku should be no more than two finger widths from the bottom, not near the top).

You can even see elements of this grip in medieval European sword arts.

How to Grip the Medieval Long Sword: Part 1 and Part 2


New School Weapon Grip

What is old is new again. The same grip works for other weapons like the tactical folder I keep in my pocket.

The same grip also forms the proper hold for a modern handgun.

The gun is held with those last three fingers. This leaves the index finger free to pull the trigger (or be on the frame if you're not going to be shooting) and leaves the thumb free to press the mag release, slide lock, or thumb safety if your pistol has one.

The best and most useful martial techniques have multiple uses. Techniques and movements that have only a limited or specific use rarely past the test of combat. I think that this grip with the ability to function for multiple uses and multiple weapons definitely fits the bill.