Superman punch explained

Superman punch
Focus:Striking

A superman punch is a technique used in Sanda, Lethwei, Muay Thai, ITF-style Taekwondo, kickboxing, mixed martial arts fighting and professional wrestling.[1] The technique involves bringing the rear leg forward to feign a kick, then snapping the leg back while throwing a cross, resulting in greater power behind the punch.[2]

Superman punches are allowed in boxing as long as they are performed in a proper way and targeted above the belt. The technique adds extra power to the punch, but is not commonly used by world-class boxers because it is easy to anticipate.[3]

The move is also known as the Cobra Punch, Jumping Punch, and Diving Punch.

A superman punch in mixed martial arts was performed by Bas Rutten at UFC 20 against Kevin Randleman.[4]

A variation involves pushing off from the fence with the opposite foot prior to the punch.[5]

NHL hockey player and later Hockey Night In Canada analyst Kevin Bieksa is known for performing a variation on skates.[6]

Professional wrestler Roman Reigns uses a (feigned) Superman Punch as his signature move.

The move was performed by the fictional character Superman in the film Superman Returns, which popularized the name 'Superman Punch' as a name for the attack.

See also

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. April 22, 2011

    Bloody Elbow – "UFC 129 Judo Chop: Georges St. Pierre's Superman Punch"

  2. Web site: Mixed Martial Arts & Muay Thai Kickboxing : How to Perform the Superman Punch in Kickboxing. 2008-04-17 . eHow.
  3. Web site: Dorge . Priya . Can you Superman Punch in Boxing . 8 October 2022 . cargofighter.com.
  4. Web site: Themmacommunity.com. Themmacommunity.com. 17 March 2015 .
  5. Web site: Off Fence to Superman's Punch to KO... Sick Skillz. August 15, 2013. YouTube. Video. 15 March 2016.
  6. Web site: Why Kevin Bieksa's 'Superman Punch' is so unique and risky in hockey - Sportsnet.ca.