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.

Attacking

Attacking with the hands or elbows is of two types: Punching (Tsuki) and striking (Uchi)          

Most commonly, this term refers to the straight punch (choku zuki), though there are other types. When the opponent is directly in front of you, the arm is straightened and the target is punched with the knuckles of the fore-fist. The forearm is rotated inward during the delivery of the punch. Depending on the objectives-face, solar plexus or abdomen—these techniques are known as: upper straight punch (jodan choku zuki), middle straight punch (chudan choku zuki) or lower straight punch (Gedan choku zuki). In any case, for the punch to be effective, the following basic factors must be learned and put into practice. 

1.        Correct Rout: The shortest distance is the straight line route, and this is the correct way to punch. At the same time that the elbow brushes the side of the body lightly, the forearm should be rotated inward.

2.        Speed: without great speed, the punch cannot be expected to have much effect.  To maximize speed and power withdraw the other arm as fast as possible, thus making use of the pairing of forces.

3.       Concentration of power: A good punch depends on starting from a flexible posture and keeping unnecessary strength out of the hand and arm. Punch smoothly but speedily, concentrating all the power of the body at the moment of impact. The concentration of power must be mastered. Practice by raising the arms in front of the body, holding the fists level with the solar plexus and repeatedly tensing and relaxing all the body muscles.

Hand strikes

Elbow strikes