Punching, Blocking and Kicking

The natural weapons are not only used for attacking but also for defending. An arm which is used as a striking weapon is s split second later converted into a blocking device. This must be borne in mind throughout karate training. One must be ready to attach, defend, attack, defend, in swift succession or even simultaneously, for example, one arm may be blocking a punch while the other arm is delivering a counter. Do not try this at the outset. Practice each technique separately and distinctly, but at the same time bearing in mind the possibility of combined attack and defense, as this is one of the most devastating and swift methods of dealing with an opponent. It is also the most difficult and rarely seen.

Punching:

The philosophy, if it can be so called; of most Japanese Karate punching is based on a similar notion to that of Kendo sword play: one good telling stroke. This is how a full point is scored in does count. Try, when practicing a punching technique, to make it always a good, solid one. Keep all the technical points in mind when training, with or without a partner. This will stand you in good stead throughout Karate training and will definitely help in winning competitions.

Key Points:

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 semi circles, but swiftly and free fully, making full use of the snap of the elbow.

Both the fist and the open hand are use, as in the back fist strike (Uraken Uchi), hammer fist strike, sword hand strike and so on.

It is unwise to extend the arm to its fullest when punching, or the leg when kicking for that matter, so always keep your arm form snapping out to the fullest range of the joint. This is not good for the joints. Also, you should adopt the habit early on of drawing back the striking arm so that it cannot be grasped by your opponent. Throwing methods are permitted in karate free styles, and some Karate men are also skilled in Judo. If they lay hands on your arm, you could do some unexpected travelling.

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. 

Use of the hands and arms

Making Fist: The two ways of using the hands are: (i) Open (ii) closed. There are six types of fists (Ken) and eleven types of open hand (Kaisho). 

To make a fist, start by folding the fingers so that the tips reach only to the base of the fingers. Then continue to fold the fingers inward until the tips are pressed tight into the palm. Press the thumb firmly over the second joints of the index and middle fingers. The little finger is apt to become wear and relaxed, so it is necessary to be careful about keeping it pressed tightly against the palm. 

A second way not used much now-a-days. 

  Summary  

 

Strikes: Elbow strikes can be made to the front, back or sides…..rising, falling or tu4rning to side…when movement of the Torso is restricted, you are grasped from behind, or opponent haws grabbed your arm.

Of course, they differ from hand strikes; they should be regarded at Ate-waza, i.e. smashing techniques. They are also known as empi uchi (elbow strikes). The following points are the important ones:

1.            Although effective as a counter attack at close range, it is a mistake to aim at a target very far away.

2.            Keep the upper body erect and use the rotation of the hip. If the Torso is off the perpendicular, the strike may not be ineffective, but it will give the opponent the advantage.

3.            Not keeping the fist and forearm close to the body will weaken the strike. Brush the arm against the body as it moves.

4.            Effectiveness and power come from rotating the forearm and bending the elbow deeply.