Full extension or not?

[Celtic_Crippler]

When you execute a strike, do you fully extend the limb? (arm, leg)

What are some of the "pros" to full extension?

What are some of the "cons" to full extension?

[Roach]

Depends on the strike and the angle at which I'm striking.

Do I do full extension on a forward punch? No. Why? My elbow tells me not to. I sound like a bag of JiffyPop in the microwave while doing pushups. Locking out your appendages can have adverse effects. Not always the case of course.

I do, however, enjoy the full extension of a solid side or knife-edge kick to the attacker's knee. Gotta love the feeling of planting something into the ground. My knees have been more forgiving, for now. Time will only tell.

[jdinca]

I voted "it depends". Just one example would be the difference between a side fist to the head and a side fist to the body. In the former, full extension would be the answer (NOT locking the arm out). In the latter, the arm will not extend fully.

[gixxershane]

i voted on depends. because if my work out partner is too close then i cant fully extend..

and if you meen to go to the point of hyperextention i would go with never fully extend.

my limbs dont like to be "fully extended."

[punisher73]

I took "fully extended" to mean having the elbow locked so I voted never.

[RDCParker]

I also took it as fully locking up your joints for maximum extension, and I also voted never. I'm already working with a minor hyperextension in my right elbow, and I take great cares to never fully extend my punches or kicks.

[John Brewer]

i voted on depends. because if my work out partner is too close then i cant fully extend..

and if you meen to go to the point of hyperextention i would go with never fully extend.

my limbs dont like to be "fully extended."

Ditto

[KenpoChanger]

I voted no. Full extension is another way of saying over reach. Move your body closer.
sean

[FGarza]

Yes, get your body in proper range and then you don't have to worry about full extension.

When I'm striking in the air, most of the time I don't do full extension to preserve my joints.

The beauty of learning how to hit with different parts of your arms and legs is that you're almost always in range to hit an opponent with something.

A fun thing I like to do on a heavy bag is to practice a punch, then a forearm strike, then an elbow, using alternate limbs. And also do the same for the legs (foot, shin, knee).

A lot of students don't seem to have good footwork. I like drilling footwork in conjunction with strikes. It helps students learn to make adjustments in range so that they don't over-extend their strikes and get off balance.