Does "there are no wrists in boxing" apply to the speed bag?

[MetalMule]

I just got my bag set up and have started practicing. I was wondering if Bruce Lee's expression about there being "no wrists in boxing" applies to the speed bag. I've always been taught to punch with a straight wrist, but find that I can get the rhythm going better with the forward roll if I allow my fists to rotate. What's the correct way?

[Speedbag]

Keeping your wrists straight in boxing, or any hard punching martial art for that matter, makes good sense because if you bend your wrist when punching hard you can sprain it. I'll bet a lot of baggers can remember a "sprung" wrist when pounding the heavy bag, but in all honesty I have never worried too much about my wrist positions when hitting the speed bag. In fact, moving the fist/wrist to create bag contact angles can actually help pull off some of the more complicated advanced combinations around the bag using one rebound. Hitting near full power on a small 8x5 or smaller, and trying to pull off some advanced combinations around the bag, I find a lot of my fist adjustments are wrist driven, particularly on side punching.

if you are more into hard power punching big bag and heavy bag work, then perhaps a more standard "stiff wrist" may be a better choice, but otherwise I would say whatever feels comfortable to you and helps you gain control, use it.

[The Baggist]

I just got my bag set up and have started practicing. I was wondering if Bruce Lee's expression about there being "no wrists in boxing" applies to the speed bag. I've always been taught to punch with a straight wrist, but find that I can get the rhythm going better with the forward roll if I allow my fists to rotate. What's the correct way?

GREAT QUESTION!!!!!!! I could go on and on about this but I'll just say this....there aren't elbows in BOXING either but there is in MIXED MARTIAL ARTS. Some boxing purists think that "stunt" bagging (aka bagging with rolls, elbows, side, hits,etc.) is useless. They don't realize elbow strikes on the bag also make your blocking and defense faster. Sometimes when I spar I even find myself picking off punches with elbows. If your hitting a heavy bag or person USE STIFF WRIST, when hitting speed bag, "BE LIKE WATER MY FRIEND.....Bruce lee"

[spinsmashpop]

GREAT QUESTION!!!!!!! I could go on and on about this but I'll just say this....there aren't elbows in BOXING either but there is in MIXED MARTIAL ARTS. Some boxing purists think that "stunt" bagging (aka bagging with rolls, elbows, side, hits,etc.) is useless. They don't realize elbow strikes on the bag also make your blocking and defense faster. Sometimes when I spar I even find myself picking off punches with elbows. If your hitting a heavy bag or person USE STIFF WRIST, when hitting speed bag, "BE LIKE WATER MY FRIEND.....Bruce lee"

Agreed. Boxers do tend to look at the more advanced bagging as "stunt-like". But man, with the popularity of MMA being undeniable, and the use of elbows being such a big part of it, how can you say that advanced bagging is only for show? Those MMA guys have proven that a sharp eye and precise elbow usage is key in the destruction of the opponent.
Now, with that said, be on the lookout for my "Around The World Fist Roll" I just filmed! Yeah, it's show, but I think it'll come in handy if I take on a kangaroo! Haha... I am now officially calling the Fist Roll the Kangaroo Roll! That's what it reminds me of...probably from some old Bugs Bunny cartoon or something.....

BAG ON!