Strong wrists and strong hands are good for just two things, martial arts and well…we don’t actually need to write it down do we? In the ring, the worst thing to be is limp wristed for a number of reasons. One, your punches will be as weak as a slap to the face by a half opened ketchup sachet; two, when you do punch you risk breaking something or pulling something (not that something!); and three, you’ll most probably lose.
In all reality, the hands are probably the most precious part of any fighters body, even when that martial arts does not use the fists. With weak hand you may risk fractures or injury that you really shouldn’t be sustaining so here are are easy ways to develop strength in your hands, knuckles and wrists.
- Dig for rice
Yeah, rice is not as valuable as gold but money can’t buy you strong hands, just look at Donald Trump! All you need to do here is to start digging at a deep bucket filled with rice (uncooked fyi) to help develop strength in your hands. This ancient technique is popular in the MMA and Boxing world.
All you need to do is fill a tub with rice, keep your fingers together and straight and begin digging into the rice. When you bring your hands out, grab a handful of rice, squeeze and let go. It’s not just helpful in developing strong hands but it’s also very therapeutic, if your into digging into big rice buckets that is.
Check out this video for some clearer instructions:
- Punch a wall
Yeah, you see it in movies but really this can be really useful. Not only are you able to express that anger in a way that girls will love (tl;dr – no it doesn’t) but you also get to build strong calluses on your knuckles.
Traditionally shaolin monks used to use this technique to improve their wrist strength, but we all know that those dudes are some angry mofos. We don’t trust those peaceful chants and orange robes one bit.
- Pull yourself off
Whoa, let’s not get ahead of ourselves too fast. That pulling off you’re thinking of is you’re treat for a successful day working out! No no, what we mean is you need to start pulling yourself off the floor using your wrists and arm muscles. You know, pull ups and push ups!
You’ve probably seen those badass fighters lifting their whole body with one finger, and although it is possible, we don’t advise it. Try pushing up with your fists first then if you can brave it try moving to your fingertips…all of them.
This exercise strengthens your wrists and also your fingers. If the hard ground is too painful, then use a soft towel to soften the floor. The best part is, when you’re finished, that towel can come in handy clearing up after your final wrist exercise… ahem…we hear it really helps actually, just try to alternate hands.
