This technique is called seiken tsuki. Seiken is the name of the basic fist. Tsuki translates to “thrust” since you thrust the technique forward. Punching is the basic attack in karate. The mechanics of a punch carry over to many other techniques. Main points to keep in mind:
- Fist starts on the hip. The wrist bone rests on top of the hip bone as if it were a shelf.
- Hit with the first two knuckles since they are the largest and strongest.
- Keep the wrist straight and strongly tensed so that it does not bend. A bent wrist, in any direction, will result in damage to the wrist and/or hand.
- The arm and elbow need to be rubbing tightly against the rib cage to keep “lines of force” focused in the same direction toward the target throughout the punch. This results in more energy/power transferring into the target.
- Rotate the fist at the last instant as it hits and penetrates through the target.
- Keep the shoulders down and relaxed. Tense the the armpits/latissimus dorsi muscles at the moment of impact.
- The main target is the solar plexus for a chudan tsuki, mid-level punch. A high punch, jodan tsuki, usually targets the throat or chin. A gedan tsuki, low punch, targets the bladder; pubic bone; or inguinal fold where the leg meets the torso.