UCHI-WAZA (Striking Techniques)

UCHI-WAZA (Striking Techniques)

In punching, the elbow is straightened and the forearm extended. Striking with the hand involves bending and straightening the elbow.

Main Points

1. Snapping of the Elbow: With the elbow as the pivotal point, the forearm moves as though one is drawing a semicircle, but swiftly and forcefully, making full use of the snap of the elbow. Relax the elbow completely, if the slightest elbow tension remains, the arm will act like a mechanical toy that needs oiling, and the technique will be ineffective.




2. Relaxing of the Shoulders: There should be no strength in the shoulder throughout the strike. If the shoulder is tense the arm may swing out without any snap.




3. Correct Path of the Movement: Snap the hand outward in a wide curve with maximum speed.
The Length of the Arc: The longer of the arc the hand travels, the stronger the strike. To maximize this arc length, straighten the elbow fully as the hand is snapped outward.




4. Rotate the forearm and hips.




5. Keeping the fist tightly clenched or the fingers of the open hand tightly closed.

(See Résumé Table Below)