Tag: Combat

A term that you’ve probably heard before from either watching or training in combat sports is the term “rabbit punch.” A highly illegal technique in most sports that will result in a loss of points or immediate disqualification.

Let’s get into this striking technique and go over everything that you need to know about the rabbit punch. Going over why the rabbit punch is illegal, where the name comes from, and tragic stories from using these strikes.

What is a Rabbit Punch?

A rabbit punch is a type of hand strike that targets the back of an opponent’s head. Also, the base of the skull where your spine connects to your skull.

The term “rabbit punch” was first coined in 1915, which is used to kill rabbits. A person would strike a rabbit in the back of their head to instantly kill them.

Why is the Rabbit Punch Dangerous?

Just going by the definition of a rabbit punch, you can obviously guess that it’s an extremely dangerous strike. They not only pose the threat of permanent damage, but also death.

By striking at the base of the neck/skull, a fighter can paralyze their opponent by damaging their vertebrae. They could even disconnect their brain stem, which will cause instant death.

This is why rabbit punches are extremely dangerous and should never be thrown in practice or competition.

Is a Rabbit Punch Legal in Any Combat Sports?

There is not a sanctioned combat sport that allows rabbit punches in their rulesets. Whenever a referee or athletic commission official does a pre-fight rules meeting, they give their definition of a rabbit punch,

They will tell the fighters that they are allowed to strike their opponent from their nose to their airs. No types of strikes behind an opponent’s head are allowed in any combat sport that allow strikes.

Were Rabbit Punches Ever Legal?

The only time rabbit punches were allowed were in the early no-holds-barred events that the UFC used to run. Another promotion that allowed rabbit punches was the International Vale Tudo Championship.

Rabbit punches would be quickly outlawed in UFC events as rules were added during the evolution of the sport. The International Vale Tudo Championship would allow rabbit punches up until the year 2012.

Now the rabbit punch is illegal in all combat sports and rightly so.

What are the Penalties for Landing a Rabbit Punch?

Whenever a fighter lands a rabbit punch, the punishment is left up to the decision of a referee. Usually, they will either take a point or disqualify the fighter who threw the punch. Some more lenient referees may give a warning, which would be a heavily scrutinized decision.

If it is severe enough, a fighter may suffer a number of penalties after the match. They could subsequently be suspended, fined, and even have their fighter’s license revoked.

What Type of Punches are Considered Rabbit Punches? 

Literally any type of punch that targets the back of a fighter’s neck or head is considered a rabbit punch. It could be straights, hooks, overhangs, cupping strikes, or even hammer fists. 

Rabbit Punches in Boxing

In boxing, we generally see boxer’s land rabbit punches with looping punches, hooks, and cupping strikes. It all depends on the situation on what type of rabbit punch is used.

If an opponent is keeping tight guards, a fighter may try to land looping shots or hooks. Going around their opponent’s gloves to target behind their knee.

Whenever an opponent continuously ducks their head down, it’s not uncommon that a boxer strikes the back of their head. Throwing anything from hooks, overhangs, or cupping strikes to their neck to hurt an opponent.

Rabbit Punches in MMA

Given that MMA is a more dimensional combat sport than boxing, this gives more openings for rabbit punches. Just like in boxing, an MMA fighter could possibly land a rabbit punch using a hook or overhand.

But rabbit punches in MMA are more likely to occur within a grappling situation. Especially when a fighter is using ground n pound.

Let’s say a fighter has their opponent in mount, and their opponent turns to give up their back. This opens for them to throw a wide variety of strikes to the back of their opponent’s head.

Anything from straight downward punches, hooks, and also hammerfists. A fighter will most likely be disqualified if they hit their opponent with a rabbit punch from this position.

Pritchard Colon

Probably the most known story that proves the danger of the rabbit punch is the story of Pritchard Colon. A young Puerto Rican boxer that would have his life destroyed from being hit with rabbit punches.

If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or Youtube, you have probably seen what Pritchard looks like now after the incident. But before that horrible event, Colon was a talented young prospect.

Pritchard Colon was a 16-0 professional boxer in the super welterweight division. He had the makings of a superstar and the good looks and charisma that brought more eyes to his matches.

The Fight

His last match was against Terrel Williams on October 17th, 2015. During this bout, Williams would land multiple rabbit punches to the back of Colon’s head.

Many of which went by without even a warning from the referee Joe Cooper. When Colon complained Cooper was heard responding with “you take care of it.”

Colon would later get deducted two points for a low blow after getting hit with more rabbit punches. He would then get knocked down after sustaining damage from the illegal strikes.

Pritchard was heard telling the doctor Richard Ashby that he felt dizzy, but Ashby let the fight continue.

After the ninth round, Colon would be disqualified after his corner inadvertently removed his gloves. They thought it was the end of the bout, but it was actually the end of the ninth round.

Colon’s corner tried to talk to him, but said he was incoherent and began vomiting in the back. He was taken to the emergency room and fell into a 221 day coma.

The Aftermath

The damage from the fight left Prichard Colon in a persistent vegetative state for. For around two years, he was bedridden and nearly unresponsive. Colon’s mother Nieves Colon would sue Richard Ashby, but the lawsuit has never been settled.

Since 2018, Nieves has constantly posted updates at her son’s attempts to recover. Pritchard can now communicate through a computer, but will probably never walk again.

The Push For Stricter Punishment on the Rabbit Punch

The story of Pritchard Colon is just one of many that suffered from the effects of rabbit punches. Many throughout the 100+ year history of combat sport have suffered permanent damage from these strikes.

After the incident, there has been a push for stricter punishment on those who use a rabbit punch. Many top boxing councils and federations have promised stern action in the future for fighters that use rabbit punches.

We all should agree that harsh punishment should be used for any fighter that used these illegal strikes. Rabbit punches can cripple or kill a fighter, which is why there must be harsh punishment enforced whenever they’re used.

A term that you’ve probably heard before from either watching or training in combat sports is the term “rabbit punch.” A highly illegal technique in most sports that will result in a loss of points or immediate disqualification.

Let’s get into this striking technique and go over everything that you need to know about the rabbit punch. Going over why the rabbit punch is illegal, where the name comes from, and tragic stories from using these strikes.

What is a Rabbit Punch?

A rabbit punch is a type of hand strike that targets the back of an opponent’s head. Also, the base of the skull where your spine connects to your skull.

The term “rabbit punch” was first coined in 1915, which is used to kill rabbits. A person would strike a rabbit in the back of their head to instantly kill them.

Why is the Rabbit Punch Dangerous?

Just going by the definition of a rabbit punch, you can obviously guess that it’s an extremely dangerous strike. They not only pose the threat of permanent damage, but also death.

By striking at the base of the neck/skull, a fighter can paralyze their opponent by damaging their vertebrae. They could even disconnect their brain stem, which will cause instant death.

This is why rabbit punches are extremely dangerous and should never be thrown in practice or competition.

Is a Rabbit Punch Legal in Any Combat Sports?

There is not a sanctioned combat sport that allows rabbit punches in their rulesets. Whenever a referee or athletic commission official does a pre-fight rules meeting, they give their definition of a rabbit punch,

They will tell the fighters that they are allowed to strike their opponent from their nose to their airs. No types of strikes behind an opponent’s head are allowed in any combat sport that allow strikes.

Were Rabbit Punches Ever Legal?

The only time rabbit punches were allowed were in the early no-holds-barred events that the UFC used to run. Another promotion that allowed rabbit punches was the International Vale Tudo Championship.

Rabbit punches would be quickly outlawed in UFC events as rules were added during the evolution of the sport. The International Vale Tudo Championship would allow rabbit punches up until the year 2012.

Now the rabbit punch is illegal in all combat sports and rightly so.

What are the Penalties for Landing a Rabbit Punch?

Whenever a fighter lands a rabbit punch, the punishment is left up to the decision of a referee. Usually, they will either take a point or disqualify the fighter who threw the punch. Some more lenient referees may give a warning, which would be a heavily scrutinized decision.

If it is severe enough, a fighter may suffer a number of penalties after the match. They could subsequently be suspended, fined, and even have their fighter’s license revoked.

What Type of Punches are Considered Rabbit Punches? 

Literally any type of punch that targets the back of a fighter’s neck or head is considered a rabbit punch. It could be straights, hooks, overhangs, cupping strikes, or even hammer fists. 

Rabbit Punches in Boxing

In boxing, we generally see boxer’s land rabbit punches with looping punches, hooks, and cupping strikes. It all depends on the situation on what type of rabbit punch is used.

If an opponent is keeping tight guards, a fighter may try to land looping shots or hooks. Going around their opponent’s gloves to target behind their knee.

Whenever an opponent continuously ducks their head down, it’s not uncommon that a boxer strikes the back of their head. Throwing anything from hooks, overhangs, or cupping strikes to their neck to hurt an opponent.

Rabbit Punches in MMA

Given that MMA is a more dimensional combat sport than boxing, this gives more openings for rabbit punches. Just like in boxing, an MMA fighter could possibly land a rabbit punch using a hook or overhand.

But rabbit punches in MMA are more likely to occur within a grappling situation. Especially when a fighter is using ground n pound.

Let’s say a fighter has their opponent in mount, and their opponent turns to give up their back. This opens for them to throw a wide variety of strikes to the back of their opponent’s head.

Anything from straight downward punches, hooks, and also hammerfists. A fighter will most likely be disqualified if they hit their opponent with a rabbit punch from this position.

Pritchard Colon

Probably the most known story that proves the danger of the rabbit punch is the story of Pritchard Colon. A young Puerto Rican boxer that would have his life destroyed from being hit with rabbit punches.

If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or Youtube, you have probably seen what Pritchard looks like now after the incident. But before that horrible event, Colon was a talented young prospect.

Pritchard Colon was a 16-0 professional boxer in the super welterweight division. He had the makings of a superstar and the good looks and charisma that brought more eyes to his matches.

The Fight

His last match was against Terrel Williams on October 17th, 2015. During this bout, Williams would land multiple rabbit punches to the back of Colon’s head.

Many of which went by without even a warning from the referee Joe Cooper. When Colon complained Cooper was heard responding with “you take care of it.”

Colon would later get deducted two points for a low blow after getting hit with more rabbit punches. He would then get knocked down after sustaining damage from the illegal strikes.

Pritchard was heard telling the doctor Richard Ashby that he felt dizzy, but Ashby let the fight continue.

After the ninth round, Colon would be disqualified after his corner inadvertently removed his gloves. They thought it was the end of the bout, but it was actually the end of the ninth round.

Colon’s corner tried to talk to him, but said he was incoherent and began vomiting in the back. He was taken to the emergency room and fell into a 221 day coma.

The Aftermath

The damage from the fight left Prichard Colon in a persistent vegetative state for. For around two years, he was bedridden and nearly unresponsive. Colon’s mother Nieves Colon would sue Richard Ashby, but the lawsuit has never been settled.

Since 2018, Nieves has constantly posted updates at her son’s attempts to recover. Pritchard can now communicate through a computer, but will probably never walk again.

The Push For Stricter Punishment on the Rabbit Punch

The story of Pritchard Colon is just one of many that suffered from the effects of rabbit punches. Many throughout the 100+ year history of combat sport have suffered permanent damage from these strikes.

After the incident, there has been a push for stricter punishment on those who use a rabbit punch. Many top boxing councils and federations have promised stern action in the future for fighters that use rabbit punches.

We all should agree that harsh punishment should be used for any fighter that used these illegal strikes. Rabbit punches can cripple or kill a fighter, which is why there must be harsh punishment enforced whenever they’re used.

People that train in striking arts like boxing and Muay Thai often have the same question. They want to know how to increase punch power.

Let’s go over all of the ways that you can increase your punching power. Everything from tips for proper technique and different types of training you can do to increase the power of your punch.

Proper Technique To Increase Punch Power

First and foremost, when you want to know how to increase punch power, it all starts with your technique. Proper punching technique will allow you to create the power and release it outward. Here is what you need to know about proper punching technique.

The Mechanics of a Punch 

To get the most power out of a punch, you must make sure that your mechanics are perfect. Many novices that first go into training think a punch is only the movement of your hand.

It is actually your entire body moving in unison to generate power for the strike. The power starts at your feet, moves through your core, and is released through your fist.

Your feet slightly turn inward to create the power. It then moves into your core that stays tight, while transferring the energy to your arm that releases the power.

Turning Your Punches Over

With your technique, one way to increase punch power that you may not be doing is turning your punches over. Turning your punches over accelerates the speed of your punch as well as the power.

Do a quick test to see the difference. Throw a punch where you don’t turn your hand over and then throw a punch where you don’t turn it over.

You’ll notice a vast difference between the power when you turn your punch over and don’t. That’s why you should always turn your punches over.

Which Knuckles Do You Use? 

When you throw a punch, you always hit with the knuckles of your index and middle finger. These knuckles are the hardest in your hands and stick out further than the rest of your knuckles.

Hitting with your other knuckles like your pinky knuckle will be less powerful and likely lead to a break. That is why you always hit your target with your front two knuckles. You’ll generate more power and be less likely to injure your hand.

Punch Through Your Target

A big mistake strikers make when first learning to punch is not through the target. When they do something like punching a heavy bag, they target the front of the bag. 

The problem with doing this is you’re not getting the maximum output on your punch. All of the power stops at the object instead of going through it.

That’s why you must always punch through your target to get the maximum power on your punch. Make this adjustment and you’ll notice a vast difference in your punching power.

Sitting Down On Your Punches

You’ve probably heard the old boxing term “sitting down on your punches.” That saying means exactly what it says.

In order to generate power in your punches, you must focus your weight downward into your stance. Feeling your weight shift from your back foot to front foot as you turn your body into the punch.

Trainers tell their students to do this when they’re standing up too high and losing power on their punches. That’s why you always have to sit down on your punches in order to have power behind them.

How to Increase Punch Power Hitting the Heavy Bag 

If you practice any form of striking, then you probably routinely hit a heavy bag. It’s the best striking exercise to do alone to improve your cardio and strength, while improving your technique.

But there’s also methods you can implement into your heavy bag rounds to increase your punch power. Here are some heavy bag drills you can implement to increase your punch power.

Push & Pull Rounds

One sure fire way to increase punch power is by implementing what we’re going to call push and pull rounds. These are the types of rounds where you focus on one punch to generate power using a push and pull motion.

One hand is touching the glove, while your other hand is chambered and ready to throw your power shot. For example, you’re working on powering up your straight/cross.

In one motion, your jab hand pulls back at the same time you unchamber your straight/cross. When you punch the bag trying to drive through the bag with as much power as you can generate.

You can do the push and pull method to develop power in every type of punch.

2-3 Power Punches

Another simple bag drill that you can implement is doing rounds of 2 to 3 power punches. Keeping your flurries to 2 to 3 punches where you focus strictly on power for each blow.

You can throw anything from two hooks, hook uppercut, hook straight two hooks and an uppercut, etc. The possibilities are almost endless.

But remember when you do this drill to focus the most power in the last punch of the combo. In any combo you throw, the last strike should always be the most powerful.

Nonstop Punching Rounds

If you want to increase punch power, while also improving your conditioning, you should do nonstop punching rounds. Usually, these are done as burnout rounds at the end of a workout, but you can alter them into working on your power punches.

Just like normal burn out rounds, you’re going to be punching nonstop light punches for the entire round. But every 10 seconds, you’re going to sit down on your punches and throw a 2 to 4 punch combo. This is a great method to increase punch power while getting a good cardio workout.

How To Increase Punch Power Through Strength & Conditioning

If you’re serious about training in your striking art, then you probably already do some sort of strength and conditioning. Here’s how to increase punch power through different strength and conditioning exercises.

Push Ups

Push ups are not only a great strength building exercise, but also great for increasing your punching power. All top level professional boxers do push ups in their conditioning routines.

But the best thing about push ups is that there are numerous variations of the exercise. All of which will build up your punching power. 

Try doing multiple sets of any of these push up variations below that are listed from moderate to difficult.

• Push Ups On Your Knees
• Basic Push Ups
• Wide Push Ups
• Superman Push Ups
• Diamond Push Ups
• Knuckle Push Ups
• One Armed Push Ups
• Clapping Push Ups 

Pull Ups

Variations of pull ups target all of the same muscles you use during a punch. Everything from your delts, pecs, biceps, triceps, lats, and rhomboids. Pull ups even strengthen and harden your hands, which enables you to hit harder.

Almost all top level fighters use pull ups in their strength and conditioning routines to improve strength and improve punching power.

Squats & Lunges 

Any good strength and conditioning routine include squats and lunges. This also includes routines for increasing your punch power. 

The power of your punches are generated in your legs, so strong legs create more power than weak legs. You should definitely into various types of squats and lunges into your strength and conditioning routine to increase your punching power.

Medicine Ball Exercises

The medicine ball was popularized by pro fighters for being a diverse piece of equipment that builds strength. There are numerous medicine balls designed to increase punch power and explosivity.

To increase your punch power, try implementing any of these medicine ball exercises into your routine.

• Slam Balls (One Hand & Both Hands)
• One Hand Push Throws
• Two Hand Push Throws
• Overhead Throws
• Rotational Throws
• Russian Twists
• Weight Sit-Ups/Crunches
• Lunges 
• Squats
• Jump Squats

Dumbbells

Using dumbbells are a great way to increase your punch power. Exercises like curls, rows, and presses will definitely increase your strength and power.

But by far the best exercise you can do with dumbbells to improve your punching power are punches. Small weights are great to use when shadow boxing to add a little weight to your punches.

You can do all the same movements you already do in boxing training just with holding small dumbbells. Just a pair of dumbbells up to 10 lbs (4.5 kgs) is all you need to increase your punching power.

Cable Weight Machines

Cable weight machines are a great versatile piece of equipment that allow you to target muscles at multiple angles. Just like with dumbbells, you can also mimic the movements of a punch. 

There’s also great rotational exercises that target all the muscles you use in a punch from your core, triceps, and shoulders.

Questions about the Kung Fu belt order or ranking systems are commonly asked online. Since Kung Fu is such a broad term compared to other martial arts, explaining the ranking systems is somewhat complicated.

Here is our explanation of Kung Fu belt order. Explaining how Kung Fu rankings differ from other martial arts due to the different styles of Kung Fu. Along with our explanation, we listed some of the belt orders from different Kung Fu styles.

A Short History of Kung Fu

If you don’t already know, Kung Fu is not just one particular martial art, but many. Kung Fu or Wushu are blanket terms to classify all Chinese martial arts.

The term Kung Fu is actually any skill that you learn through practice. Wushu translated actually means martial art.

There are literally thousands of Chinese martial arts that are classified as forms of Kung Fu. Which makes trying to give a solid answer about Kung Fu belt order a little more difficult.

Kung Fu Belt Order Rankings?

What makes answering this question even more difficult about Kung Fu belt order is that rankings originally never existed. Rankings in martial arts have only existed since the early 1900s.

In styles of Kung Fu, a student would train under the master of the style until they became a master. No formal ranks were ever given to Kung Fu students.

It was originally the founder of Judo Jigoro Kano that came up with a ranking system for Judo. Karate would later develop its own ranking system and other styles of martial arts would as well.

Due to this outside influence, styles of Kung Fu would adopt belt ranking systems and come up with their own.

Kung Fu Sashes(Not Belts)

In the ranking system within Kung Fu, they don’t refer to their rankings as belt. Instead, Kung Fu practitioners use sashes to signify their rank.

The sashes they wear are about double the width of belts worn in other martial arts. They also wear them on the side of their waists rather that at the center like most other martial arts.

What Types of Kung Fu Use a Ranking System

There’s no telling how many variations of Kung Fu use a ranking system to separate their student’s abilities. If there is a Kung Fu school near you, they most likely use some sort of ranking system.

Two most common styles of Kung Fu that use ranking systems are Shaolin Kung Fu and Sanshou. 

The Kung Fu Belt Order 

In the Kung Fu belt order that is the most used consists of 10 different colors that signify rank.

• White Sash
• Yellow Sash
• Orange Sash
• Gold Sash
• Green Sash
• Blue Sash
• Purple Sash
• Brown Sash
• Red Sash
• Black Sash

The Grouping of Each Belt

The ten sashes of Kung Fu our split in to three different groups between the eight sashes between white and black. White and black sashes signify the beginning and end of the journey through the Kung Fu rankings.

Novice Levels

• Yellow Sash 
• Orange Sash 
• Gold Sash

Intermediate Levels

• Green Sash
• Blue Sash
• Purple Sash

Advanced Levels

• Brown Sash 
• Red Sash

The Significance of Each Kung Fu Sash

Like in all belt rankings, the colors within the Kung Fu belt order are all supposed to have some meaning.

White Sash

The white slash signifies a new beginning. White slashes are a blank canvas that are ready to absorb knowledge of the martial art.

Yellow Sash

The color yellow in Kung Fu is supposed to represent a ray of light. Students that receive their first promotion have received but a small light of what their potential could be.

Orange Sash

When a student reaches the orange sash level, they focus on the martial art alters. They go from being curious to being determined to be a proficient Kung Fu practitioner.

Gold Sash

This rank symbolizes the continuing determination of the student. At this rank, they are full of energy and open to learning more about their art of Kung Fu.

Green Sash

A green sash is like the student is a growing plant. Symbolizing the growth of the student as they continue developing their skills.

Blue Sash

At the blue sash level, a student transitions from just learning skills to training their mind and body. It is not enough to have the skills of a warrior, but you must have the calmness and demeanor of one.

Purple Sash

A purple slash symbolises the power and ambition of a student. They’re growing more confident and becoming stronger in their technique like a young lion, but still needing experience.

Brown Sash;

When a student earns a brown slash, it signifies that they are becoming more grounded to the earth. They are becoming a more stable practitioner and understanding the responsibilities that their rank holds.

Red Sash

A red sash symbolizes the energy and confidence of an experienced student. At this rank, a student is becoming one of the young leaders of their school. Not only are they honing their abilities, but they’re also passing their knowledge to the less experienced students.

Black Sash

A black slash signifies that you have become an expert at all of the techniques within your style of Kung Fu. To become a teacher in Kung Fu, it is a pre requisite to hold the rank of black sash or higher.

Becoming a Master

The colored ranks from white to black are only the beginning of the journey within Kung Fu. Practitioners really attain knowledge during the journey after these ranks.

Generally in Shaolin Kung Fu schools, you earn a degree every one to two years after black sash. When you reach the 8th level, you’re considered a Shaolin Kung Fu master.

How Long Does it Take to Master a Kung Fu Style?

On average, it generally take a student of Kung Fu at least 8 years to go through all of the ranks. To earn a black sash in this time frame would of course mean that you trained consistently.

To give you good time frame, let’s divide it by experience levels if you trained multiple times per week on average.

• Novice Ranks(Including White: 2 Years
• Intermediate Ranks: 2 Years
• Advanced Ranks: 4 Years
• Total: 8 years