Liam Carter
Long nails can be a hindrance when it comes to fighting or self-defence, as they prevent you from making a proper fist. This has prompted people to seek advice on how to fight effectively with long nails, including from professionals like former marines. While some view long nails as impractical, others wear them because they like the way they look or because they are considered more professional for their job. As a result, self-defence instructors have offered alternative techniques for those with long nails, such as using the palm or side of the hand to strike, or even scratching at the attacker's eyes and throat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Punching with long nails | Avoid balling up your fist, instead keep your fingers bent without curling your hand in |
| Use the side of your fist to strike | |
| Use your palm to strike | |
| Use elbows and knees | |
| Scratch at the attacker's eyes and throat |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid clenched fists
It is possible to throw a punch without clenching your fist if you have long nails. This is important because clenching your fist with long nails may cause your nails to dig into your palm, which is painful and may hinder your ability to defend yourself.
To avoid clenching your fist, keep your fingers bent without curling your hand into a ball. Imagine holding your hand in the shape of an "E" in American Sign Language, but with your thumb sticking out away from your palm. In this position, your four fingers are bent down, but you can still see most of your palm. This technique will allow you to throw a punch or slap without hurting yourself.
It is also important to note that you can use your long nails to your advantage in a fight. Instead of focusing on throwing punches, you can use your nails to scratch at your attacker's eyes and throat. This can be an effective way to defend yourself without having to clench your fists.
Additionally, there are other open-handed strikes that you can use that don't require clenching your fists, such as palm strikes and crane strikes. These strikes can be very effective in defending yourself while also protecting your nails.
Finding the right nail length for you is also important. Some people suggest trimming your nails so they don't dig into your palm when you make a fist. Others suggest finding a balance where your nails are long enough to play guitar without a pick, but still allow you to make a proper fist. Ultimately, it may depend on your personal anatomy and comfort level.
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Use palms to strike
If you have long nails, it is not advisable to ball up your fist to throw a punch as the nails can scratch your palm. Instead, you can use your palms to strike.
Robin Hunting, a former royal marine and self-defense instructor, recommends using the hard part of your open hand to strike. This involves keeping your fingers bent without curling your entire hand into a fist. Your thumb should stick out away from your palm. With your hand in this position, you can deliver quick and hard smacks or slaps that are just as effective as a traditional sucker punch but without the risk of hurting yourself.
Another variation of this technique is to strike with the side of your hand, also known as a karate chop. This involves slightly folding your fingers into your palm, rather than curling them into a full fist. This position allows you to strike with the side of your hand while still keeping your nails safe.
Using your palms or the side of your hand to strike can be a surprisingly effective way to defend yourself, even if it may not seem as powerful as a traditional closed-fist punch. It is important to practice these techniques and get comfortable with them so that you can effectively use them if ever needed.
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Use sides of fists
If you have long nails, you might find it difficult to make a proper fist without your nails digging into your palms. This can be uncomfortable and even painful. It is therefore important to know how to adapt your fighting style to avoid this.
One technique is to use the sides of your fists when punching. This involves keeping your fingers bent without curling your entire hand into a ball. You can imagine your hand making the shape of an "E" in American Sign Language, but with your thumb sticking out away from your palm. This way, your nails will not get in the way, and you can still deliver a powerful blow.
Another option is to avoid making a fist altogether and instead use open-handed strikes. Palm strikes and crane strikes can be very effective in self-defence situations and also have the added benefit of protecting your nails. You can also try using the sides of your hands to strike, as recommended by self-defence instructor Robin Hunting. He suggests hitting with the side of your hand between your wrist and pinky finger, which can be done quickly and forcefully without risking damage to your nails.
If you do choose to use your fists, be mindful of the length of your nails. Very long nails may still dig into your palm, even if your fingers are not fully curled. In this case, you may need to trim your nails slightly to find a length that allows you to make a fist comfortably. This will vary depending on your personal anatomy, so experiment to find what works best for you.
Remember, when it comes to self-defence, every second counts. While using your nails to scratch or gouge can be effective, it may not be the best use of your time and energy. Focus on techniques that will create the most trauma to stop the attacker and allow you to escape safely.
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Scratch at the eyes and throat
Long nails can be used to your advantage in a fight. If you are able to get close enough to your attacker, you can use your nails as a weapon to scratch at their eyes and throat. This move can cause severe trauma and give you time to escape.
Eye gouges are a great way to create trauma and distract your attacker. If you are able to scratch at your attacker's face, aim for the eyes. A corneal abrasion, or scratched eye, can be caused by scratching the cornea, the clear covering on the eye. While this type of injury is usually not serious, it can result in blurred vision and sensitivity to light. In rare cases, a corneal abrasion can become infected and cause more severe damage.
You can also use your nails to scratch at your attacker's throat. Aim for the soft, sensitive areas of the throat, such as the Adam's apple, to cause pain and distraction. This move can also be used to create trauma and give you time to escape.
It is important to note that using your nails in a fight may not always be effective. In the heat of the moment, your nerves may be dulled by adrenaline, and you may not be able to rely on your fine motor skills. Additionally, using your nails in a fight may result in broken nails or injured hands.
If you choose to use your nails in a fight, be prepared for close-quarters combat and potential injury to yourself. Keep your fingers bent and loose, and avoid balling your hand into a fist to prevent your nails from digging into your palm. Move quickly and strike with force to cause as much trauma as possible and create an opportunity for escape.
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Opt for elbows and knees
When engaging in physical altercations with long nails, one strategic approach is to utilize your elbows and knees as primary weapons. This method allows you to inflict damage on your opponent while keeping your nails intact and avoiding potential harm to yourself. Here's a guide on how to fight effectively using your elbows and knees:
Elbows:
- Striking with your elbows can deliver powerful blows to your opponent. A sharp, swift elbow strike to vulnerable areas such as the face, throat, or solar plexus can stun or incapacitate your attacker. Practice elbow strikes by swinging your elbow in a horizontal arc, aiming for soft tissue or pressure points. You can also use your elbow to strike downward in a vertical motion, targeting the collarbone or shoulder area.
- Another effective technique is to use your elbow to block and defend against incoming strikes. Position your elbows close to your body to protect your ribs and vital organs. Angle your elbows outward to deflect punches or kicks, using the hard bone to absorb the impact and minimize damage.
- In close-quarter situations, employ your elbows to create space and escape grabs or holds. For example, if someone grabs your wrist, elbow them in the face or sternum to create distance and break free.
Knees:
- Your knees can be extremely effective weapons in a fight. A well-placed knee strike to the groin, stomach, or thigh can cause immense pain and disable your opponent. Practice lifting your knee sharply and driving it forward to strike these vulnerable areas.
- In a standing position, practice bending your knee and driving it upward to strike the groin or stomach of an opponent who is closer to the ground, such as when they are bent over or on their knees.
- Additionally, use your knees to strike outward horizontally, targeting the sides of the body, ribs, or kidneys. This can be particularly effective when your opponent is close by, and you need to create some distance.
- Like elbows, knees can also be used defensively. Bend your knees slightly and position them forward when anticipating a strike to the groin area. This will help protect your vulnerable areas and can also be used to block low kicks.
Remember, when fighting with long nails, the goal is to avoid using your hands directly to minimize the risk of breaking a nail or injuring your fingers. Opting for elbows and knees as your primary weapons allows you to maintain a safe distance from your opponent while still delivering powerful and damaging strikes. Practice these techniques in a safe and controlled environment to improve your accuracy, timing, and confidence.
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Frequently asked questions
Avoid making a traditional fist with long nails as they can dig into your palm.
Keep your fingers bent without curling your entire hand into a fist. This will allow you to strike with the side of your hand.
You can use the length of your nails to your advantage by scratching at your attacker's eyes and throat.
You can use the palm of your hand or the side of your hand to strike.
Yes, long nails should not limit your ability to defend yourself. You can adapt your techniques to avoid breaking your nails or hurting yourself.
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