Self-defense course

Module 3 — Hands-On Basics

Lesson 26 of 50The palm strike

13 min

Dr. Mira explains · Module 3 — Hands-On Basics · Lesson 26

Dr. Mira explaining lesson 26: The palm strike

Dr. Mira's selected Voice Calibration voice

Transcript

Hi, sweetheart. It's Dr. Mira. Welcome to lesson 26: The palm strike. The safest strike for your hands, and where it lands. Let me walk you through this properly, the way I would if we were sitting together. Everything starts with your base. Feet about shoulder width, one foot slightly back, knees soft. From that stance you can push, turn, or run. Go slowly. Do each movement ten times slow before you ever do it fast. Speed comes after the movement feels natural. Break grabs by moving against the thumb — that is the weakest point of any grip, every time, on both sides. Strike with the heel of your palm, not your knuckles. Your hand stays safe and you keep it available for pushing off and running. These are escape moves, not fighting moves. The goal is always to create one second of space and use it to get away. If you go down, tuck your chin and land on the meat of your arm and hip, never your head or a straight elbow. Practice with someone you trust, or in front of a mirror. Ten slow minutes a week beats one hard hour a month. Now here's how I want you to practice. Read the lesson once, picture yourself doing it, and then do it for real one time today. One repetition is enough to start. If it feels awkward the first time, that's normal. Awkward means new, not wrong. That's all for this one. Watch it as many times as you need. I'm so proud of you for being here.

What this lesson covers

The safest strike for your hands, and where it lands.

Module goal: Build a few simple physical skills that still work when you are scared and shaking.

What you'll be able to do

Use the palm strike — the safest strike for untrained hands.

Key points

  • Heel of the palm, not a fist. Fists break on skulls.
  • Target the nose or chin, or the chest to push distance.

Step by step

  1. 1From your stance, drive from your back foot.
  2. 2Strike with the heel of the palm.
  3. 3Retract and step back immediately.
  4. 4Run.

Common mistakes

  • Throwing and then standing there to see what happened.

New York City scenario

Distance closes and you have no exit. One palm strike, then you run to the lit corner.

Practice drill

Twenty palm strikes into a pillow, each followed by a step back and turn.

Quick check

Why palm instead of fist?