The logic behind the punching machine

[Polyphase Avatron]

I don't believe anyone has ever discussed this before (correct me if I'm wrong), but isn't the idea of using the punching machine in order to determine entry to the Tenkaichi Budokai kind of unfair? Assuming that they are expecting people without crazy superhuman levels of strength, not all martial arts focus on punching. Someone could get a low score on the machine but still be a good grappler, or have very powerful kicks, or be a master of a judo type style that uses the opponent's own force and weight against them. There could have been fighters who had a legitimately good chance of beating Mr. Satan, yet wouldn't be allowed to participate just because they don't have a particularly strong punch.

[Shintoki]

it was most likely a precaution measure to prevent unqualified people from participating in the tournament after witnessing so many superhuman levels since the start of DB. although, a flawed one.

[theherodjl]

Most of the ordinary human fighters we've seen excel in striking so it leads me to believe that martial artists in DB learn a general style of striking that may include grappling but striking is the dominant method.

[Apslup]

I've always hated the punching machine qualifcation test, since the qualifying matches to the first 3 tournaments were a nice starter to help you get ready for the real fights that are coming ahead.

However, I do see that it was kinda necessary since if there were proper qualifiying matches, it would be highly likely that 2 of the Z Fighters had to go up against each other in the qualifying matches. They got around this at the 23rd tournment with Chaozu mixing up all of the Z Fighters in the qualfying rounds so they could all fight each other in the real tournment.