Horizontal Punch vs. Vertical Punch

Ok, time to for me to nerd out here.

I’ve had this debate many times and have seen and read other debates on which one is a better punch. Most come to the conclusion that the horizontal punch has more power and is therefore the superior punch. As a Taekwondo and Hapkido practitioner I have always been in the middle since Taekwondo makes use of the horizontal punch and Hapkido makes use of the vertical punch. However, as the years go by I’ve slowly transitioned into a vertical punch supporter.

Let’s start with the versatility. Both punches require striking with the first two knuckles. With the horizontal punch, the knuckles will be missed if the punch is directed upward. The vertical punch on the other hand will lead with the knuckles with minimal adjustment that won’t compromise its strength.

Next is how sturdy the punch is. With the horizontal punch, the forearm bones (ulna and radial) cross over weakening the structure as well as placing excessive force on the elbow joint which could lead to injury. Though it’s important to state that for trained martial artists, this is not much of an issue other than possible over use. What’s more important is the energy transfer. The energy of the punch will be greater across the straight path of the vertical punch than the crossing path of the horizontal path.

Lastly, and most importantly, is power. There are two things to think about when it comes to power, power generated, and power transferred. Since the horizontal punch has an additional rotational movement, it definitely generates more power. However, what tends to be forgotten on this argument is the fact that the rotation of the punch doesn’t begin until the very end of the punch. This is fine if you punch the air, but is negated when striking an object since you don’t strike the object at the end of your punch. The punch is to strike the object at about 75% of the full extension, therefore there is no rotational power applied. This leaves me with the conclusion that there is no power difference between the two punches.

So, since there is no power difference and the vertical punch is more versatile and a sturdier punch, then this leaves me believing the vertical punch is the better punch. However, I would like to point out that I still teach the horizontal punch as the primary punch to my Taekwondo students. There are a couple reasons. One, we punch the air during our forms and it makes a nice pop. The second reason is a little more useful, it’s considered to tear skin. When the punch is delivered, the twisting motion of the punch is believed to tear skin to create more damage.

More Myths and Misconceptions about Martial Arts

Part I - Martial Arts are all about Fighting

Part II - Sport vs. self-Defense

Part III - Size and Strength are of no importance in Martial Arts

Part IV - Horizontal Punch vs. Vertical Punch

Part V - Dim Mak (pressure points)

Part VI - Military fighting systems, such as Krav Maga, are the best self defense systems to be learned for self defense.

Part VII - My martial art is better than your martial art

Part VIII - The Hook punch is the most powerful punch you can throw