Combat 101, Friday Second Period

[ifwebeworthy]

Today the Danger Shop had been set up with punching bags, and Thor explained to his students, "Today you will learn how to throw a punch, or review the skill, if you have already been taught. First, and most critically, learn how to make a fist: your thumb goes on the outside of your fingers, not the inside. Tucked inside, you risk breaking it. Do not do this. Second, learn where to punch. The face is an obvious target, but it is full of bones close to the surface, and punching hard surfaces risks damage to your hand. This does not necessarily mean you should not hit someone in the face--a swollen eye or a broken nose can debilitate your opponent enough to assure your victory or escape--but that you should be prepared for the consequences." Thor pulled up an anatomical diagram made of hard light and pointed out other good targets, such as the solar plexus, the kidneys, and the groin.

"Now, how does one throw a punch? There are six basic forms of punch: the jab, the cross, the lead and rear hook, and the lead and rear uppercut. You may have heard of the 'haymaker,' which is similar to a hook but unbalanced and leaves one open to counterattack. You will learn better form here."

Thor handwavily guided his students through each form of punch, then sent them to the bags to practice for the rest of class. "You may focus on one punch or rotate through all of them. The choice is yours, but I would recommend the latter approach. No one tool will serve in all circumstances."