Seiken, forefist

It is the most used striking surface in karate. The four fingers are rolled inward together until the tips of the fingers touch the third joint. Now the thumb is folded in such a way, that it is pressed against the index finger. The area the fist meets the target consists of the knuckles of the index finger and middle finger. The force is divided into 30% on the middle finger and 70% on the index finger.

Nakadaka Ippon Ken, Middle single knuckle

Posture the fist as Seiken. Targets of this technique are the temple, upper lips, throat and eyes plus other 'vital' points..

Hitosashi Ippon Ken, single knuckle

On principle the same as Nakadaka Ippon Ken

(Yohon) Nukite, four finger thrust.

The technique is executed with the tips of the first 3 fingers, which are gathered tightly. There should be a slight bend in the middle finger. To strengthen in application the little finger can be brought across to cover the third finger.

Nihon Nukite, two finger thrust

With the tips of index and middle fingers eyes will be struck.

Ippon Nukite, 1 finger thrust

With the tip of fingers eyes will be struck.

Shikyo, finger scissors

To attack eyes, throat & genetils.

Koko, tigers mouth

This technique is executed with index finger & thumb. Used to strike inside the mouth (pull back cheeks).

Washi De, eagle talon, claw

Fingers and thumb are formed to an eagle’s talon. To attack strike forward, catch with the fingers and pull. The target is the throat.

The entire arm performs swinging movement.

Koken, Kakute Ate, bent wrist (crane head)

The hand is bent downwards to its max angle, the thumb touches the inside of the hand between the middle and ring finger. The bent wrist area is used to attack or block.

Keiko, joined finger tips (chicken head)

Similar to Koken but the fingers are joined together. Attack with the wrist or finger tips.

Tate (90 degree) or Ura Ken Uchi (back knuckle)

Striking points are the same for Seiken.

Tetsui Uchi, hammer fist.

Fist formed like Seiken. Use the base of fist for striking. The motion is as though you were banging something. (Much like a hammer, hence the name).

Haishu Back hand

Back hand

Haito, Ridge hand

Striking points vary. Normally used to strike very dangerous vital points.

Teisho, shotei, Palm Strike

Keep all fingers locked in tightly, fold thumb in locking it into position. When executing the strike you strike with the palm. To areas such as; The chest, The face, Under the chin, The neck etc..

Oyayubi Ippon Ken, Thumb Knuckle

This technique allows a concentration power into a small area. By using the thumb knuckle it increases the effectiveness of a technique.

Oyayubi, Thumb

Used for eye attacks

Seiryu Toh, Oxen tail

Using a snapping movement of the wrist the base outer edge of the hand is attacking area e.g. against collar bone.

Kuma De, Bear hand

The fingers are bent in the second knuckle so the finger tips touch the upper area of the palm. The hitting area is the entire palm plus the knuckles.

Shuto, knife hand

The fingers are extended but bent slightly inwards. The thumb is pressed against the inner side of the palm.

Boshiken, thumb fist hand

The fist is formed as in Seiken, but the thumb is extended on the side of the index finger for attacking eyes, chin and solar plexus

Keiko Ken, open knuckles

The fingers are bent in the 2nd knuckle, so that the fingertips touch the upper area of the palm. The hitting are consists of the second knuckles of the index, middle and ring finger.

Hira Ken, Angular knuckles

Posture of the fist as in Seiken. The thumb is put in an angular position, the striking area is formed by the knuckles; the palm of the hand shows upwards.

Josokutei, Koshi, ball of foot

This ball of the foot strike is normally used with Mae Geri & Mawashi Geri kicks. Target it to all areas of the body.