I just learned that karate masters develop flat knuckles as a result of striking hard objects with their fists while doing their training and exercises. How does this affect the mobility of the fingers? Is this type of adaptation typical (or necessary) only in karate? or does this happen in other matial art styles like Muay Thai or Kung Fu?
The reason why I'm asking, is because I am very much interested in mma (specifically bjj, Muay Thai, Judo, or Escrima), but I am also a musician, playing different stringed instruments which requires flexibility and agility in my finger movements. Will I be forced one day to choose between martial arts and my musicianship? or is it possible to become proficient in mma while still retaining full use of the hands for playing the guitar and banjo and such?
Getting knuckles flattened from punching hard objects:?
There are safer ways of conditioning your fists. Your heart meridian runs across your knuckles and contant harsh impact impaires this meridian. Punch into a bowl of chick peas, press ups on your front two knuckles, then progress to one hand on knuckles, punch jab and body pads, punch bags and sparring with gloves on. Damaging your heart meridian will be costly later in life!!
Reply:i did this in a fight after a few days of icing them do some physical therapy on your knuckles, like bend your fingers through out the day just move it will help keep it loose and it will get better sooner!
Reply:Sunken knuckles have been a distinguishing mark of tavern thugs for more than a thousand years. You don't have to break stuff with your knuckles unless you're in a real fight. I suggest wearing those padded blue gloves when you practice punches.
Reply:I used to punch trees, phone books, fences, metal, and beans when I was in karate. It makes your hands very conditioned and tough but yea, you lose tons of dexterity. tons. Try this instead-slap and hit every surface of your hand against each other till they are red. You will get the same effect and for whatever reason you do not lose any mobility in your joints.
Reply:I've been doing Muay Thai for two years and I don't have any significant issues. My fingers are very clicky now, but nothing speed related. My two main knuckles are red 24/7 though.
Reply:This is a prime example of people that take what one person did, or one rumor, and blow it out of proportion. I have trained in Okinawan karate for 18 years now. We do not use the makiwara (striking posts) to cause callouses, break the knuckles, flaten them or anything like that. The makiwara is for learning proper body technique, so that when you punch you have your whole body supporting your attack. With proper technique, you do not need all that body mutilation.
Your concern for playing an instrument is another very good point why it is not done. First off, that is a tell-tale indication that you practice martial arts. So,if someone is confronting you they will be alerted to your knowledge. (I was once told the CIA motto is "Admit nothing, deny everything and accuse someone else" There is a lesson there.) Second, is you do any type of work with your hands, you can't afford to damage them, so dont. I play guitar aswell,and have no problems playing.
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