Keep On Punchin’

For many, 1,000 punches a day might seem a little extreme. For the Wing Chun practitioner, however, it is both essential and practical.

Because the art requires a relaxed explosiveness in its actions, every action we take means that we must be devoid of all muscled-type of movements. But without relying on brute strength, how do our attacks actually generate hitting power? From relaxing and then quickly contracting just enough to use speed as the catalyst behind the power vs powering through with brute force.

This is the type of power that can be applied well into old age, too. Since it does not rely on muscle size or strength, age will actually help us because we get more relaxed as we get older. Sure, many attributes of aging will see a decline in our abilities, but that is par for the course of all physical activities. At least with this type of punching, we can effectively use our skills for defense throughout the duration of our lifetime.

So where do 1,000 punches fit in with all of this?

For starters, it keeps us relaxed. With so many punches, we cannot rely on physical strength because we simply wear out. But as long as we focus on correct mechanics and being relaxed in order to push through the exhaustion barrier, every punch takes us closer to performing the full 1,000 punches at full-speed and with full power.

1,000 punches also improves our conditioning. Anyone who does just a few hundred punches knows how tiring it can be, so imagine what 1,000 punches will do. The chest, back, arms, abs, etc., are all being conditioned with each and every punch, and the more we do it, the more in line with Wing Chun and fitness we become.

For those new to working so many punches every day, I recommend starting with a couple hundred a day for a week or two in order to get used to it. Start with slow punches so that you do not hyper-extend the elbow. Once that happens, your punching days are severely limited until you heal the injury.

After a couple of weeks, increase your punches by 50-100. Now with approximately 400 punches a day, maintain this for another couple of weeks or so, and every 2 weeks, increase the amount by 100.

During this time frame, you are getting in better shape by burning calories, conditioning the upper body, and also gaining a valuable fighting skill in Wing Chun. Your body is overcoming the stress it experiences with repeated exhaustion, too, which assists in your overall training.

Within a very short amount of time, your 1,000 punches a day will tremendous gains in your fighting ability, not to mention an improved fitness level.

And all with just punching. Go figure.