Can't make a fist, can I still practice Krav Maga?

May 23, 2017 1:47 PM

I cannot make a fist with either hand. The joint circled in this diagram does not bend. Will I be able to practice Krav Maga, assuming there are modifications for this?

The knuckle at the base of my index finger does not bend, so I can't make a fist. Both of my hands have always been like this.

I have signed up for an intro Krav Maga class and I will ask the instructor about modifications when I go to the class.

However, I wanted to ask here before I go. Will it be possible to use a modified strike in Krav Maga if you can't make a fist? I'm assuming more open hand strikes would be used in place of punches but I'm not sure how this would affect training. I would like to learn Krav Maga as well as anyone else in the class and avoid injuring my hands. Any tips would be appreciated.

posted by cp311 to Health & Fitness (2 answers total)

I've only done a bit of Krav Maga but I've seen open-handed strikes recommended for people with hand injuries and open knuckle wounds, with no problem or hesitation. Your instructor will be able to give you more and better advice but it doesn't seem like a show-stopper to me.
posted by yomimono at 7:57 PM on May 23, 2017

I've only been going for a few months, but while open-palm strikes work well for forward punches, any sort of other punches (hammer fist, uppercut) and grapples seem like an invitation to injury to an underflexible hand. I'm not sure how well defensive moves could be done as well, as many of those and the grapples include grabbing an arm or gun tightly.
posted by cobaltnine at 8:21 PM on May 23, 2017