Okay, we’re fed up of seeing stupid idiots coming away from fights with broken noses because they have misjudged a headbutt. A simple rule of thumb is that if you headbutt someone, it’s their nose that should be broken not yours. Take this video of movie headbutts as a reference on NOT what to do when headbutting someone.
Now we have cleared that up, let us explain why a headbutt can be the perfect attack and how to do it properly. Take note boys and girls.
Why headbutt?
Pound for pound, there’s more sugar in a lemon than a strawberry…wait, that’s the wrong quote. Pound for pound, your head can produce some of the most powerful strikes known to man – but the risks are dangerous. We don’t recommend it becoming a go to strike but it can be a lifesaving technique. The element of surprise is CRITICAL to a headbutt, and you’ll only be able to use it once before your opponent learns to keep their face covered, unless you successfully knock them out that is!
How to headbutt?
To make a headbutt worthwhile, you need to ensure you take as little collateral damage at all. If you go in mouth gaping, you risk biting off your own tongue, and if you are not braced for impact, you could really damage your neck.
Remember to, from a natural stance, tuck your head down, clench your teeth and stiffen your neck muscles. Aim your head and snap it towards your target. If you want more power, use your body to propel it, not your neck – you may strain it.
Although it may sound tempting, we advise against practicing headbutts too. Because of the sensitive nature of the brain, it can easily be damaged so once again we’ll reiterate – don’t use it as a go to strike, but save it for emergencies.
If you do end up practicing, explore your own face to find the softest parts and work out where is best to attack. Then, if you are sparring with a friend, make sure not to attack with full power, because a badly placed headbutt can injure or even kill either one of you.
If you’re in the moment, we recommend aiming for the cheekbone, the nose, the eyebrow, or the temple. Aiming for the nose can easily break it with enough power, given the weaker bones in that area. A really hard slam may even damage or collapse the sinus cavities, making it hard to breath and will cause some immense pain. If you can’t reach their face, then try aiming for the solar plexus – this can stop your opponent breathing for long enough to make your escape.
