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BackgroundThis research aims to compare the differences in kinematic parameters associated with cross and uppercut punches between Sanda athletes (SA) and Boxing athletes (BA) to analyze their impacts on peak punching speed.MethodsThe punches of BA (n = 20) and SA (n = 20) were compared utilizing a three-dimensional (3D) framework and high-speed cameras in terms of 13 key parameters. An independent samples t-test (α = 0.05) was employed to analyze the differences in punching between BA and SA. Meanwhile, a stepwise multiple linear regression equation was developed to analyze the influence of selected parameters on peak punching speed.ResultsThe results reveal that, among the 13 kinematic parameters, the six cross-related parameters and four uppercut-related parameters are significantly different (both p ≤ 0.05). The results of multivariate regression analysis unveils that the peak punching speed for the cross are influenced by the anteroposterior position of the center of gravity (in BA) and the maximum angular velocity of the shoulder (in SA). In contrast, for both BA and SA, the maximum angular velocity of the shoulder plays a critical impact on uppercut.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that trunk and upper limbs significantly influence the peak punching speed, which provides suggestions for daily training regimen of SA and BA as well as their coaches.