Sanda Back Hand Uppercut Video

This video shows how to do a back hand uppercut in sanda (chin. kickboxing), which is basically a more powerful version of the normal (lead hand) uppercut. The advantage of the front hand uppercut is that it is faster, and the advantage of the sanda back hand uppercut is that it is stronger. In Chinese Mandarin, the back hand uppercut is called "Hou Shang Gou" lit: "Back Up Hook". Click here for more sanda videos, and don't forget to check out the animated sanda section.

Execution

First of all you have to know that the uppercut is a punch to your opponents chin. You are not supposed to punch in a perfect straight/vertical line. Punching in a straight line would make it easier for your opponent to escape. Besides, the uppercut is more effective if you go 30 degrees towards your opponents chin.
Start from your sanda fighting stance and relax your shoulders.
Lower you back hand a little, and make sure you keep your left hand up. Your opponent should not notice that you are striking out for an uppercut. Don't lower your back hand beyond chest level.
Then punch forward up and use your hips. Also twist on the balls of your feet and exhale at the same time. Go slightly to the side of your opponents chin, but don't turn your uppercut into a normal hook punch. Don't stand up or jump.
You can skip forward as you do an uppercut, but you should not cross your legs or change from a left lead to a right lead stance as you punch. For more information on how to move forward in sanda, click here.

Advice

Learn the sanda front hand uppercut before you try the back hand uppercut.
A lot of sanda fighters take boxing classes in order to improve their punches.
Make sure you don't open your guard as you punch. Keep your lead hand up and your chin down.
At the beginning you can practice your uppercut in front of a mirror.
Learn how to move forward, back and to the sides while doing an uppercut.
Work with a training partner (punching pads), like shown in the video.

Performance

In this Video: Li Xin, Zhang Hua Dong - Song Jiang Wushu School
Team: Sanda 1 Team - Song Jiang Wushu School
Coach: Zhou Zhang Yong
Taped by: Mavi

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