How do you "sit on a punch" ???

[AlexKid]

So if I throw a straight right do I sit down (drop my weight) onto my front foot only or do I drop it on to both feet evenly?

If I drop it onto my front foot it feels natural but theres a tendency to lean foward.

If I drop it onto both feet evenly it feels wrong because im trying to transfer my weight onto my back foot by dropping while my hip twist is trying to transfer my weight onto the front foot. But I thought this was the way to do it and it helps the rear leg drive fowards if you sit on the rear leg?

Im confused.

Also should I start with knees fairly deeply bent for max power or should I start with knees slightly bent and dip my knees down as I punch?

[RiC-DiC]

Hey AlexKid, here's some general punching advice:

Throw your straight a split second after bringing your weight forward to your front foot. Use the MOMENTUM (explained next paragraph). If you want, you can throw a jab at the same time you plant the front foot and then use the momentum to unleash your straight. When you throw the straight, twist your hips to face your opponent square and bring your shoulder (of the arm that you're throwing the straight with) through until it is in just in front of your lead shoulder AND THEN PUNCH. Planting your front foot down right before throwing the straight will also prevent you from leaning forward. You should still keep your back foot touching the ground with your toes to keep your balance.

Practice shifting your weight from one leg to the other, with both feet touching the ground. I reckon the best way to learn how to use momentum is to do squats, pushing back up with one leg, alternating every squat (rock back and forth in your fighting stance). Doing this, you should be able to identify a good time to punch. The best time to punch is when you have just rocked forward and your legs are at their straightest. Sorry it's difficult to explain this in writing lol but make sure your arms and fist are NEVER tense until just before the point of impact (near the target), because Force = Mass x ACCELERATION. Physics applies to punching power. The higher the ACCELERATION is at the point of impact; the higher the force of the punch is. RELAX until your arm is at least half way extended to the target. If you tense too early; your hand's acceleration will not be as fast at the point where it hits your target. Remember hip twisting adds to the momentum, adding to punching power.

As for bent/straight knees while punching, it depends how tall you are and at what target you're punching. Bend your knees to bring momentum down (i.e. for body attacks) and push up (squat-straighten your legs) to punch tall targets (that's called using leverage).

If you learn that, the rest will come. Good luck!

[mconstantine]

There is an excellent demonstration here at 2:10 on how to sit down on your punches.