Shotokan Karate Techniques

Strike

1) Forward Punch

The Forward punch is the most basic of all Shotokan strikes. While not the most powerful hand strike, it is quick and strong.

Setup

When practicing, start with one hand in the chamber and the other in the punch. The punching arm is extended out in front of the body. The hand is in a fist and the wrist is flat. Remember to keep the elbow is slightly bent. The arm is angled in just slightly enough so that the fist is in line with the center of the body. The forearm is rotated so that if the fist were to open up, the palm of the hand would face the ground.

Execution

The chambered fist leaves the chamber, and extends out until the arm is extended and parallel with the floor. The fist should be in line with the center of the body. As the punching arm is extending, the other arm is retracting back into the chamber. Just before the punching hand reaches the end of its movement, the forearm rotates to flip the fist over so the palm faces the floor.


2) Reverse Punch

The reverse punch is the strongest hand technique in Shotokan.

Setup



Execution


3) Back Fist

The Back Fist strike is named such because strike is made by hitting your opponent with the first two knuckles on the top (back) of the fist. The back fist is not the most powerful strike but is quick and stinging. It can used like a jab in boxing.

Setup

When practicing, start with one hand in the chamber and the other in the strike. The striking arm is extended out in front of the body. The hand is in a fist and the forearm is rotated so that the fist in vertical, with the thumb on top. In this strike, the backs first two knuckles of the fist should face the opponent. To do this, the strike must slightly cross the center line of the body, so that the knuckles line up on the center line. The wrist is flat. Remember to keep the elbow bent. The arm is angled in just slightly enough so that the strike is in line with the center of the body.

Execution

The chambered fist leaves the chamber. Keeping the arm bent, rotate the fist to vertical and raise it up towards the opposite shoulder. As the fist crosses the center line, stop the upward motion and strike out by straightening the elbow. Keeping the wrist flat, strike with the back of the first two knuckles and immediately retract the fist back to the center line by bending the elbow. The finished strike should be in line with the center of the body. As the striking arm is extending, the other arm is retracting back into the chamber.

Striking Surface

The backs of the first two knuckles of the fist should strike the opponent

The hand looks like the image below left.


4) Bottom Fist

The Bottom Fist strike is named such because strike is made by hitting your opponent with the fleshy part of the outside edge of the fist . The bottom fist could be used to strike down onto the opponents collar bone or across into the chest or face.

Setup

When practicing, start with one hand in the chamber and the other in the strike. The striking arm is extended out in front of the body. The hand is in a fist and the forearm is rotated so that the fist in vertical, with the thumb on top. The wrist is flat. Remember to keep the elbow is slightly bent. The arm is angled in just slightly enough so that the strike is in line with the center of the body

Execution

The chambered fist leaves the chamber. Keeping the arm bent, rotate the fist to vertical and raise it up towards the ear. As the fist reaches the head, reverse the direction and bring the fist down in front of the body. As the fist is moving downward, extend the arm slightly. The finished strike should be in line with the center of the body. As the striking arm is extending, the other arm is retracting back into the chamber.

Striking Surface

The fleshy part of the fist below the and alongside the outer edge of the little finger should make contact with the opponent.

The hand looks like the image below left.


5) Spear Hand

The Spear Hand strike is named such because of the shape of the hand. This strike could be used to lead into a grab or if the striking surface is too narrow for a fist.

Setup

When practicing, start with one hand in the chamber and the other in the strike. The striking arm is extended out in front of the body. The hand is open and pulled taut. The fingertips are lined up to create a straight edge to the strike. Do this by bending the middle finger to bring its tip in line with the index and ring fingers. The wrist is flat. Remember to keep the elbow is slightly bent. The arm is angled in just slightly enough so that the strike is in line with the center of the body. The forearm is rotated so that if the palm faces the opposite side..

Execution

The chambered fist leaves the chamber, and extends out until the arm is extended and parallel with the floor. As the arm is extending, the closed fist opens into the strike. The finished strike should be in line with the center of the body. As the striking arm is extending, the other arm is retracting back into the chamber

Striking Surface

The fingertips of the first three fingers of the hand should make contact with the opponent. If need be, remember that the strike can collapse into a vertical punch by rolling up the fingers!

The hand looks like the image below left. The strike itself resembles the forward punch, below right.

Back  |  Back to Top

Source from http://www.shotokanforeveryone.com/index_fr.htm