Do I have to lift weights to increase punching power?

[andrewcuff]

*Fixed.

So many people think that to hit harder they need to get bigger muscles and be stronger. You will improve your punching power faster by spending a couple extra minutes in front of the mirror concentrating on getting your technique as perfect as possible rather than spending hours lifting weights.

Focus on twisting your entire body from the feet up with every power shot. Feet, knees, hips, core, shoulders, arms, fist is the order you should be moving in for a punch. When you master the technique, then start looking for exercises to build power and you can really start dropping people.

Yeah, I know. The 4 points I listed weren't in any particular order. I should have put in order of importance!

[MonsieurGeorges]

yes - u are quite right. that "theory" doesnt hold water! in fact, our body's are sort of closer to being of a liquid composition than a stiff wooden/metal composition of a simple model of the body.

so, yeah, i agree with your points.

in my line of fighting, which trains very much in depth force and how to use it, is based on more complicated, realistic formulas.

example, the mass of a body may be large, and the acceleration of that force may be great, but if a point(joint or hinge) along the line of force buckles, then that common theory means nothing at all.

there are many variables, which is why the martial arts i study goes into great detail on something even as simple as standing upright efficiently - as u are not sitting while u punch so you must learn how to stand. then u learn how to step before u punch - as u usually are not standing still while u punch. and so on and so on. and as u learn to punch, u put all of these things together properly and develope most efficient coordination. and i didnt even mention the mind or intent factor or how awareness is a big secret to learning good mechanics.

but, my point is that there is much much more to increasing force than adding weight or lifting more.

my wushu will beat your wushu