A few weeks ago, I had the fortune to work with a friendly, strong and fat man at a seminar on several occasions. Aside from making a new friend, I was able to keep this topic from the forum in mind while working with him. Of interest to me was the mechanics of punching him in the core of his body. Topping well over 300 pounds at 5'10' of height, this is one of the heaviest people I have trained with in a relaxed setting. One thing I noticed was that by the time my fist reached the abdominal muscles and organs beneath the fat, there was a rebounding shockwave already traveling back up my arm that tried to force me back into my heels.
Obviously, we can always punch to the head and throat and 'soft' targets. But specifically for the mechanics of hitting through all that flab and muscle to get an effect, I found it similar to doing a speed break against a hanging board. I had to punch very fast, very deep and snap back even faster to leave all the energy in the target without it coming back into my elbow. In some ways, it also reminded me of proper wooden dummy work. I was able to get an effect through all the tissue very much like a punch grenade. I would land the punch. Nothing. Then, 3 seconds later.. groan.
Interesting chance to study the practical side of the mechanics. Much thanks to my friend, Jeff, who let me experiment on him.
Any other similar experiences?
