43 replies to this topic

[ExpandMyMind]

The New Richard Nixon, on 20 December 2012 - 02:34 PM, said:

All apes have fists..should be all apes not just humans

Apes can't make proper fists. Their hands have evolved to hold bananas (and, yeah, tree-branches 'n' stuff), not punch. They can't close it as tight as humans, which is what concentrates the power and force needed for a good punch. Something like that.

[the L]

Im not sure about this one. I think they concluded wrongly.

[lightly]

ExpandMyMind, on 21 December 2012 - 02:33 PM, said:

Apes can't make proper fists. Their hands have evolved to hold bananas (and, yeah, tree-branches 'n' stuff), not punch. They can't close it as tight as humans, which is what concentrates the power and force needed for a good punch. Something like that.

   ...  which would protect the fingers .. as the study says...     My earlier quicky smartypants response about the human hand's ability to Grasp... didn't take into consideration that many primates can also  grasp things.    But still...  how much  Punching  does the average human do?   Enough to affect the physiology of hands?   Seems unlikely?

[Hasina]

We also don't knuckle walk.

[ealdwita]

Hasina, on 21 December 2012 - 06:10 PM, said:

We also don't knuckle walk.

Some of us don't knuckle-walk any more!



Others still prefer it!

[AliveInDeath7]

Just gives me another reason to knock the living daylights out of some idiots around here..

[Darkwind]

It is really easy to break your hand hitting someone with your fist. I think they are more set up for throwing.  Throw then run, repeat, until the lion has had enough and moves off its prey.

[ExpandMyMind]

lightly, on 21 December 2012 - 05:54 PM, said:

   ...  which would protect the fingers .. as the study says... My earlier quicky smartypants response about the human hand's ability to Grasp... didn't take into consideration that many primates can also  grasp things. But still...  how much  Punching  does the average human do?   Enough to affect the physiology of hands?   Seems unlikely?

Maybe not as much these days, but even a few hundred years ago (and less) fighting with fists was extremely common.

[Timonthy]

ExpandMyMind, on 21 December 2012 - 08:53 PM, said:

Maybe not as much these days, but even a few hundred years ago (and less) fighting with fists was extremely common.

How common though? For survival, humans will always prefer a weapon to their fists. With regards to fighting with fists, many wouldn't do it much at all in their whole lives. In the past I doubt there would have been enough fist fighting to alter our physiology.

Edit: Or was there some period in early history where there was a bare knuckle world war which lasted a few thousand years?

Edited by Timonthy, 21 December 2012 - 09:06 PM.

[Chooky88]

Makes perfect sense as it's still a primitive reflex to punch which has ended many a life and put many more in jail. Also it compensates to have a club (fist) replace blades (claws) all which we gave up when we wanted to use our hands. I'm in agreeance

Edited by Chooky88, 21 December 2012 - 10:42 PM.

[Kratology]

You can definitely condition your fist to be a great weapon. I agree with all the assessments here about what the human hand is built for. It's all of thee above! Tool making, throwing, picking, grabbing, hitting.

Yea, we bad!

[Razer]

So, our closest relatives chimps, apes and the like are at least 6 times stronger pound for pound, yet our evolutionary path let us get by without the strength but yet the hands evolved to punch things.   Yeah, that makes sense

[Timonthy]

Seriously I don't think punching has ever been a big enough part of human existence for it to be a primary reason for why our hands evolved why they did.

[Hasina]

In boxing, boxing gloves allow for more face hits, which increases the risk for brain damage. Normally, when we go to punch each other, we rarely actually go for the face, you go for the body, you block with your arms, keep your head low, etc. I think it's more fist fighting between other humans. It's a good way to establish dominance, without causing much damage but it will show ya who's boss.

[Ronseal]

When I first got into boxing they taught me to hit the bag and mitts with a open hand. Was not till I got my gloves and wraps I got to use my fisty cuffs.

Edited by Ronseal, 22 December 2012 - 12:43 AM.