Were he paying attention, Punchy would recognize the exact move that Brainy uses, the way it applies force to a part of the body that absorbs impact with incapacitating pain but without causing any lasting damage, either internal or external. The way it's clearly meant to hold off a foe rather than destroy them.

Unfortunately, Punchy isn't paying attention. He's already running to the aid of one Neffa a Reyeth, and his encounter with Brainiac will only be fodder for a reflection many hours later.