| Martial arts teaches punching techniques to be used | | | | attack. |
| for self-defense. There are many types of punches | | | | The jab is used in close confines or to get a feel of |
| that can be used against an assailant. Effective | | | | what the attacker will do if swung at. The jab is a |
| punching does not require an immense amount of | | | | quick strike, using maximum force, usually from a |
| time to learn. In this article we will show how to use | | | | bent elbow position. The punch is thrown with the |
| the jab, a punch that is simple to learn and easy to | | | | weaker arm. This allows the stronger arm to follow |
| use. | | | | up with a more forceful punch. Initially jabs should be |
| The jab is an effective means of defeating an | | | | directed at the nose or throat for maximum |
| attacker in a self-defense situation. It is typically used | | | | effectiveness. |
| to attack the areas of the head. If a strike with a | | | | Martial artists and boxers are taught to keep the |
| closed fist connects with the nose or the throat | | | | thumb on the outside of the hand. If the thumb is |
| tremendous pain can be inflicted or it can produce an | | | | tucked inside the fingers it can break easily. The |
| autonomic nervous response allowing the defender to | | | | contact points of the jab are the knuckles of the |
| flee. An example of an autonomic nervous response | | | | index and middle fingers. The object with throwing a |
| would be striking the nose. This causes the eyes to | | | | punch is not to stop at the point of contact. A punch |
| tear, impairing vision. Many times in an encounter | | | | should be delivered through the point of contact with |
| there needs to be only one jab thrown to stop an | | | | maximum force. |