The palm-heel strike is designed to primarily stop what?

• A. Forward Momentum
• B. Deliver a knockout to the jaw
• C. Target the temple
• D. Break the jaw

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how a palm-heel strike functions to stop forward momentum in an attack. When an aggressor is driving toward you, their momentum carries energy into you. A palm-heel strike uses the heel of the hand to strike along the attacker’s centerline with a compact, stable contact, enough to disrupt that energy and slow or halt their forward drive. This creates space and time for you to step back, re-establish distance, and escape. The emphasis is on breaking the attacker's advance rather than delivering a knockout or targeting specific vulnerable points like the jaw or temple. The goal is a safe, effective interruption that allows you to disengage.