The classic Shotokan karate punch is so direct, linear and powerful that it can take down any opponent with a single blow. Here's how to do it correctly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Straight Punch
Step 1. Get into a comfortable position
You can place yourself in the natural, shizentai, or low, knight, kiba-dachi position.
- Make sure that the legs are at the correct distance from each other. In the natural position the distance between the legs should coincide with the width of the shoulders.
- Keep your legs relaxed, make sure your knees are loose and not tense.
Step 2. Close your fist and bring it to the side of the hip, with the palm facing up
The fist should rest on the hip.
- The body should be slightly relaxed but still ready for action.
- Choose between two targets. If you want to hit the trunk, chudan, aim just below the ribs, at the solar plexus. If you want to hit the opponent's head, jodan, aim for the face. For added security, or if you lack experience, your teacher may ask you to aim just below the face.
- Be aware that hitting other parts of the body is not effective.
- If you train without a partner, imagine that you are facing an opponent of your size.
Step 3. Make the fist take a straight path
Imagine a straight line going from the fist to the midline of your body.
- Keep your elbows in for a straight punch. Your elbow should touch your side as you attack.
- Until the technique is closed, the movement should be free.
Step 4. Check the shot
If you are training with a partner, stop the punch just before striking. If you are using a fixed target, such as a makiwara, you can safely sink the shot.
- Rotate your fist so that the palm points down.
- Contract your muscles as you strike. Try to contract not only your fist and arm, but also your buttocks, legs and hips.
- Exhale. If you want, do the Kiai.
- If you are an experienced practitioner, add the closing vibration of the hip to give more power to the fist.
Step 5. Repeat, or return to the ideal position
Stay focused; don't relax.
Method 2 of 3: Advancing Punch (Oizuki)
Step 1. Stand in the front position, zenkutsu-dachi
Make sure your legs are in the correct position, shoulder-width apart.
- If you look down, towards the advanced knee, the latter should cover your view of the foot. The big toe should point slightly inwards, positioned at an angle of 85 degrees and not 90.
- Check the stability of your position by having a partner give you a couple of pushes.
- Keep the parrying hand in front and the striking hand resting on your side.
Step 2. Move forward to deliver the punch
Push the back leg forward until it is in line with the front leg.
- Don't get up. Keep your head at the same height while performing the technique.
- Continue to keep the fist in contact with the hip.
- You can hold the parry hand in front of you if you want.
- Bring your back leg forward by sliding it on the ground, without lifting it.
- The rear leg should not move directly forward, but should be brought slightly towards the center of the body as you move forward.
Step 3. Move forward towards your target
Push yourself with your back leg, staying low and keeping your fist in contact with your hip.
- Keep your legs slightly bent to give as much forward thrust as possible.
- Don't be tense.
- Focus on the target, be it the opponent's body or face.
Step 4. Close the technique
In closing technique, rotate your fist so that the palm is facing down.
- Exhale or do Kiai.
- Contract your muscles as you strike. Your back leg should remain straight and your muscles should contract in order to transmit energy from the foot to the fist.
- The front leg should be positioned at shoulder width to consolidate the finishing position.
Step 5. Return to the front position
Method 3 of 3: Opposite Punch (Gyaku-zuki)
Step 1. The secret of a good gyaku-zuki lies in the rotation of the hip
The power is released from the hips, just like when throwing a ball.
Step 2. Take the front position, zenkutsu-dachi
Put your legs in the correct position, kept shoulder-width apart.
- Evaluate the strength of your position by asking a partner to give you a couple of pushes.
- Keep the parrying hand in front of you and the hitting hand on your hip.
Step 3. Rotate the body
Start the rotation from the hips.
- The rear leg must also give strength to the rotation.
- Move quickly, always keeping your fist in contact with your side and with the palm facing up.
- Do not lift yourself up; always keep your head at the same height.
Step 4. Rotate your hand and close the technique
Turn your fist so that the palm is facing down when closing the technique.
- Hit along the midline of the opponent's body. The opposite punch, both right and left, should always hit the center of the opponent's body.
- By closing the technique, you contract your muscles to give the blow as much power as possible.
- Exhale or do the Kiai as you close the technique.
Step 5. Return to starting position or repeat the technique
Advice
- Contract the muscles only at the moment of impact.
- Throw your punch depending on the situation. If the target is facing away from you, aim for the back of the head or kidneys.
- Do not contract your body before impact or you will slow down the punch.
Warnings
- Listen to what your teacher says about the rules to follow to preserve your safety and that of your companions.
- Be very cautious when aiming at an opponent's face. A punch to the stomach, unless delivered at full force, is rarely dangerous.
