Although I am a palm proponent, fists are extremely effective if you have the bones to back them up - plus a strong wrist (see below). Due to my bad experience with broken knuckles I always have this fear that the next punch I throw I will break a knuckle and turns into a one handed losing battle.
Here is an example of punches in a real multiple opponent fight. This could almost be said as what Kanshiwa Bunkai is all about

This person is obviously trained, and had a lot of luck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8_zWBQXZj4But, here is more like what I have been talking about on this thread, showing a more common occurrence ending being tackled to the ground and got the head kicked repeatedly (Don't ever do what this guy did though- he got out of his car which is total stupidity, couldn't wait to start the fight, plus he threw two lame kicks first. By the way, go to 6:00 for the surprise. He is a trouble maker but that is not my point here.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhmOzhPRxQsGEM
Konshiwa was originally created and performed for many years using the shoken and not the closed fist.
Wow, didn't know I can turn my memory that far back but I did. I do remember that we did Kanshiwa with shoken back in your Columbus Ave dojo. That was at least three life times ago, Sensei.
Van
The wrist is something that we rarely discuss here, maybe on the assumption that our wrist joints will be impervious to injury/dislocation when even hitting an opponent center mass rather than his head.
Glad you mentioned it. Punches are powerful only when the knuckles/bones are strong and the wrist does its job. Do not do anything that may damage your wrist. If you are one of those who enjoys full power punches to heavy bags, tightly wrap up your wrists. I often wonder about those guys in the gym holding a dumb bell moving their wrist up and down over and over and over---. Also, don't ever be the one on the receiving end of a wrist lock (or any joint lock) demonstration either. Just say no!
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, everyone. I will be relaxing in Cancun.
