Striking

In punching, the elbow is straightened and the forearm extended. Striking with the hand involves bending and straightening the elbow. With the elbow as the pivot, the forearm moves as though one were drawing semicircles, but swiftly and forcefully, making full use of the snap of the elbow.

Both the fist and open hand are used, as in the back-fist strike (Uraken-uchi), hammer fist strike (Kentsui uchi), sword hand strike (shuto uchi) and so on.

The elbow can also be used to strike. The arm is fully bent, and the elbow is aimed at the target. This is especially valuable for fighting at close quarters, when freedom of movement of the arms, legs or body has been lost, or when you are grasped from behind. The important point in striking is the use of the snap of the arm. There should be no strength in the shoulder, and the fist or fingers of the open hand should be tightly closed. Strike in a wide curve with maximum speed.