Types Of Karate Punches
In this article we have the basic and advanced Shotokan karate punches, including their Japanese names, approximate pronunciations. There several different types of karate punches, each one has unique elements attached. Understanding these punches is essential in building a strong foundation in shotokan karate.
These punches are practiced in kihon (basic training), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) in Shotokan karate, building a strong foundation for both self-defense and the art side of karatedo.
Zuki (Zoo-kee): Means “punch” in Japanese and is the common suffix for these techniques. The prefix (e.g., Oi, Gyaku) describes the motion or direction.
punching power doesn’t just come from the arms, it comes from hip rotation, proper stance, kime (focus) at the moment of impact, relaxed movement, intent and working on the the retracting hand (hikite), which enhances balance and speed.
Below is a list of Shotokan karate punches, building on the foundational techniques. These moves require precision and coordination, often incorporating combinations, unique angles, or specialized fist positions.Â
1. Choku Zuki (chokoo-Zoo-Kee) - Straight Punch
- Description: A straight punch delivered from heiko dachi. The karateka puches from a stationary position, with this punch being the first punch practiced in Shotokan Karate.Â
- Execution: The fist starts at the hip (hikite position), rotates to a palm-down position as it extends, and strikes with the first two knuckles (seiken). The hikite (pulling hand) pulls back sharply to the bottom of the ribs.
- Purpose: A quick punch from a stationary position and the first punch practiced in Shotokan karate.
2. Oi Zuki (Oi Zoo-kee) - Lunge Punch
- Description: A stepping punch delivered with the same-side arm as the leg stepping forward (e.g., left leg steps forward, left arm punches). Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi (front stance), driving the punch straight toward the target.
- Execution: The fist starts at the hip (hikite position), rotates to a palm-down position as it extends, and strikes with the first two knuckles (seiken). The hikite (pulling hand) pulls back sharply to the bottom of the ribs.
- Purpose: A powerful, long-range attack targeting the solar plexus (chudan) or face (jodan), often used to close distance and overwhelm an opponent.
3. Gyaku Zuki (Gyah-koo Zoo-kee) - Reverse Punch
- Description: A punch delivered with the opposite arm of the forward leg (e.g., left leg forward, right arm punches). It’s typically executed from a stationary stance like Zenkutsu Dachi.
- Execution: The rear fist launches from the hip, rotating inward to palm-down, while the body rotates from the Hanmi (side facing), to the Shomen (square facing) position, engaging the hips and core for maximum power. The lead hand retracts to the hip strongly.
- Purpose: Gyaku zuki is Known for its strength, this punch leverages hip rotation to deliver a devastating blow, commonly aimed at the midsection, but also devastating to the head.
4. Kizami Zuki (Kee-zah-mee Zoo-kee) - Jab Punch
- Description: A quick, snapping punch thrown with the lead hand from a fighting stance.
- Execution: The lead fist extends rapidly from its guard position near the chest or chin, striking with the seiken (karate forefist) without a full step. When practicing basic kihon, the arm can stay out and retracts immediately to guard when practicing more advanced karate kihon.
- Purpose: Used as a fast, probing strike to test an opponent’s defenses or set up a stronger follow-up, often targeting the face.
5. Age Zuki (Ah-geh Zoo-kee) - Rising Punch
- Description: An upward rising punch, typically thrown with the rear hand. As in Enpi kata.
- Execution: From Zenkutsu Dachi, start a chudan gyaku zuki punch, fire the punch towards your opponents solar plexus, rotate the fist into the tate zuki (vertical fist) position just before the fist reaches the target, then very quickly, rotate the punch fully while striking with the two large knuckles under your opponents chin.Â
- Purpose: Targets the underside of the chin, aiming to lift the opponent’s head or disrupt their balance, useful in close quarters.
6. Ura Zuki (Oo-rah Zoo-kee) - Close Punch or Upper Cut
- Description: A close-range punch where the fist remains palm-up, striking with the seiken, also referred to as an upper cut by many Shotokan Dojo.
- Execution: Delivered with minimal arm extension, often from the hip or chest, without rotating the wrist fully. It’s a compact motion, relying on body proximity.
- Purpose: Ideal for tight spaces, targeting the midsection or ribs, often used when an opponent is too close for a full punch.
7. Tate Zuki (Tah-teh Zoo-kee) - Vertical Punch
- Description: A straight punch with the fist held vertically (thumb side up) rather than the typical horizontal rotation.
- Execution: From a stance like Zenkutsu Dachi or Han Zenkutsu Dachi (half-front stance), the punching arm extends almost straight, maintaining a vertical alignment, striking with the seiken.
- Purpose: Offers a narrower profile for slipping through an opponent’s guard, commonly aimed at the solar plexus or face.
8. Mawashi Zuki (Mah-wah-shee Zoo-kee) - Roundhouse Punch
- Description: A circular punch delivered with a hooking motion, typically targeting the head or temple.
- Execution: From Zenkutsu Dachi (front stance) or Kiba Dachi (horse stance), the arm arcs outward, elbow bent, then hooks inward to strike with the seiken (first two knuckles). The body rotates, and the fist may end palm-down or slightly angled, depending on the target. The opposite hand pulls back to the hip (hikite) for balance.
- Purpose: Used to strike around an opponent’s guard, targeting the side of the head (jodan) or ribs (chudan). It’s effective in close-range scenarios or as a counterattack.
9. Yama Zuki (Yah-mah Zoo-kee) - (Mountain Punch)
- Description: A simultaneous double punch forming a mountain shape, seen in the kata Bassai Dai.
- Execution: In Zenkutsu Dachi, one fist (typically the rear hand) strikes high (jodan), while the other (front hand) strikes low (chudan or gedan) with an inverted fist (ura zuki), palm-up. The arms mimic a mountain ridge, requiring strong hip stability and coordination.
- Purpose: Designed to attack two levels at once, such as the face and midsection, overwhelming an opponent’s defense in close combat, or one arm blocks, whilst the other strikes.
10. Kagi Zuki (Kah-gee Zoo-kee) - Hook Punch
- Description: A short, hooking punch similar to a Western boxing hook, delivered at an angle.
- Execution: From a stance like Zenkutsu Dachi or a fighting posture, the elbow bends sharply (around 90 degrees), and the fist swings laterally to strike with the seiken. The wrist may tilt slightly for alignment, and the body twists to add power.
- Purpose: Targets the jaw, temple, or ribs, often used as a counter or in tight spaces where a straight punch isn’t feasible. Kage zuki is used in many shotokan karate kata.
11. Morote Zuki (Moh-roh-teh Zoo-kee) - Double-Handed Punch
- Description: A two-handed punch where both fists strike forward simultaneously or in quick succession.
- Execution: From Zenkutsu Dachi or a similar stance, both fists extend straight ahead, typically palm-down, striking with the seiken. The hands may align side-by-side or one slightly ahead, driven by a forward thrust of the hips.
- Purpose: Delivers a concentrated, powerful blow to the midsection (chudan), doubling the impact force for breaking through resistance or finishing an opponent.
12. Heiko Zuki (Hay-koh Zoo-kee) - Parallel Punch
- Description: A double punch where both fists strike forward at the same height, parallel to each other.
- Execution: From a natural stance (Heiko Dachi) or Zenkutsu Dachi, both fists launch from the hips or chest simultaneously, striking with the seiken, palm-down. The shoulders remain square, and the motion is sharp and linear.
- Purpose: Targets the chest or solar plexus, emphasizing speed and symmetry. It’s a less common but effective technique for overwhelming an opponent’s centerline defense.
13. Ippon Ken Zuki (Ip-pon Ken Zoo-kee) - One-Knuckle Punch
- Description: A punch using a single protruding knuckle (typically the index finger’s second joint) instead of the standard two-knuckle seiken.
- Execution: From any stance, the fist is clenched with the index knuckle extended slightly forward. The punch follows a straight path (e.g., like Choku Zuki, Oi Zuki or Gyaku Zuki), striking with the single knuckle. Requires precise wrist alignment to avoid injury.
- Purpose: A penetrating strike for small, vulnerable targets like the temple, throat, ribs, kidney, or pressure points, amplifying force into a concentrated area.
14. Nakadaka Ippon Ken Zuki (Nah-kah-dah-kah Ip-pon Ken Zoo-kee) - Middle Finger One-Knuckle Punch
- Description: A variation of Ippon Ken Zuki, using the middle finger’s second joint as the striking surface.
- Execution: Similar to Ippon Ken Zuki, the fist clenches with the middle knuckle protruding. The punch is delivered focusing on accuracy and penetration.
- Purpose: Targets precise points like the solar plexus or under the chin, leveraging the middle finger’s natural alignment for deeper impact. Seen in advanced kata applications.
