How prevalent was body punching in bareknuckle fighting?

Probably still safer than a head shot.

 

Well your more likely to break your hand on a punch to the head so I Imagine it was very prevalent

 

I think it's prevelence gets really overstated actually.

They could use throws to wind opponents, and due to the rules you're not going to get the kind of body shot KO you get with modern rules.

In general looking at the reports they seemed to hit to the head plenty, though body punching was still very much part of the sport. I get the impression head punching was still more common than body punching.

 

Pretty sure solar plexus punches were most desired as the KO punch.

http://bkblivetv.weebly.com/training-tips--techniques.html

Interesting website a found a while ago. I'm sure @BitPlayerVesti has much better resources than me.

 

Honestly, I've read some stuff but there are people better read on the techniques.

It is worth noting the bareknuckle period was over 200 years, so there's massives differences between something like Captain Godfrey's manuel Vs Daniel Mendoza's manuel Vs a late 1800's manuel.

I would note that modern bareknuckle is very different from historic bareknuckle, and I don't think you can take that much away from historic bareknuckle from the modern stuff (though I still find it interesting).

There are some HEMA people interested in the old techniques, the YouTube channel English Martial Arts is probably the most prominent one.

This is worth watching, especially slowed down too

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There's also some footage of Jack McAuliffe, but he's basically just goofing about

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I saw on a TV program called QI the host state that most punches in the bareknuckle days were thrown to the body because too many punches to the head would damage your hands, but I saw a youtube vid that stated bareknuckle fighters punched with the palm of their fist avoiding using their knuckles.

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2:23 They struck with the palm of their hand by twisting the arm as they punched.

 

If we started LPR bouts again next year, we would pretty much have to reinvent the wheel.

We would have to start with the old manuals, and take it from there.

Given the obvious difficulties associated with putting somebody down for 30/38 seconds with a head shot. my inclination would be to invest in a body attack, until the opponent could no longer make scratch.

 

The British police call that move "bottom fisting!"

 

Was it illegal?!

 

Who made it legal for you start posting again, Steve? That should have been illegal.

 

I better watch what I say, next time it`s a permanent ban.

 

What did you say?

 

No, it is a prescribed move.

Makes writing up reports awkward I'm told!