TSUKI-WAZA (Punching Techniques)

TSUKI-WAZA
Punching Techniques

How To Punch

Main Points:

1. Correct Route
The shortest distance between two points (weapon and target) is a straight line, and this is a correct way to punch.

Your fist travels in a straight line when you punch. At the same time that the elbow brushes the side of the body lightly, the forearm should be rotated inward 180° (from palm-up to palm-down position) and extend the arm as if it were a spear thrust forward from the side.

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 force.

3. Concentration of Power
A good punch depends on starting from a flexible posture and keeping unnecessary strength out of the punching arm. Punch smoothly but speedily. Concentrate all the power of the body as you complete the punch or at the moment of impact.

Methods of Punching

GYAKU-ZUKI (Reverse Punch)

If the left leg is in front, punch with the right fist and vice versa.

This is primarily for counterattacking after a block but is powerful only when the rotating hips are brought into full play. The height of the hips and keeping them level is most important. Straighten the rear leg and shifting the pelvis and center of gravity forward slightly make the punch strong.

Effective practice lies in having the rotation of the hips and upper body lead the arm movement.


OI-ZUKI (Lunge Punch, punch with the lead arm)

From either the natural position or a front stance, move into a front stance by sliding one foot forward, punching at the same time with the fore-fist (SEIKEN) on the side of the advancing leg.

Utilize to the fullest the reaction from extending the supporting leg and from rotating the hips forward. The foot should be slid smoothly and rapidly without raising the heel.

Oi-Zuki is effective when the opponent is at farther than ordinary distance.

Oi-Zuki can be more devastating than Gyaku-Zuki.


NAGASHI-ZUKI (Flowing Punch)

This can be executed from the half-front-facing position (HANMI) by stepping diagonally either forward or backward at a 45° angle to the opponent. Power comes from hip rotation as your body move diagonally forward or backward. It is especially effective for a combined block-attack.


KIZAMI-ZUKI (Jab)

Without moving the front leg, jab by forcefully straighten the arm, using hip rotation and rear leg thrust for power.

It can be decisive, but more often it is use as a diversionary tactic (to keep the opponent off balance) to be followed by a reverse punch (Gyaku-Zuki), a lung punch (Oi-Zuki), or other finishing blow (one-two punch).


REN-ZUKI (Alternate Punch)

Punch alternately with the left and right fists, using either lunch punch or reverse punch (two or three times).


DAN-ZUKI (Consecutive Punch)

Punch repeatedly with the same fist by bending and extending the elbow rapidly.


MOROTE-ZUKI (Two-hand Punch)

Punch simultaneously with both fists, either the same level (Heiko-Zuki, Hasami-Zuki) or different level, one above the other (Awase-Zuki, Yama-Zuki).

Résumé Table: TSUKI-WAZA (Punching Techniques)