Karate Thrusting Techniques

A practitioner in horse stance demonstrates a punching thrust.

Karate is a martial art developed in Japan that uses striking punches and kicks, as well as open-handed techniques. A thrust can use either the legs or arms, and involves a striking forward motion. Thrusts are used to injure an aggressor or throw him off balance. The motions of a thrust are very straightforward, but perfecting them takes years of practice.

Instructions

Instructions for punching thrusts

1. Stand in horse stance (displayed in photo) with your knees bent at somewhat less than a 90-degree angle. Place your feet facing forward, nearly parallel to one another. Raise your chest so that your back is flat and straight.

2. Make a fist with both hands. Place the thumb over the fingers and lower one fist to your ribs, with your elbow pointed behind you.

3. Strike with one fist out in front of you, aiming for nose level. Rotate the fist as it thrusts so that the fist finishes with the knuckles facing the sky. Begin slowly to feel the movement. Focus on the entire range of motion. Imagine punching very far in front of you, not only to the distance your fist can reach.

4. Return the outstretched arm to the rib, rotating the fist so the knuckles face the ground again. Thrust with the other fist and repeat, rifling both arms.

Instructions for thrusting kicks

1. Begin in a horse stance. Place your feet pointed straight in front of you. Do not lower your thighs 90 degrees to your knees. Keep them somewhat lifted.

2. Raise your chest and keep your back straight and light.

3. Look to your side and raise your arms in a defensive position. Make fists with both hands and place your front fist at shoulder height and your back fist in front of your chest.

4. Bring your weight to your back leg and lift your front foot.

5. Bring your raised foot to your standing leg's knee. Strike forward with your raised foot, aiming for knee level. This thrusting kick attacks an agressor's knee. Pivot your standing foot behind you as you kick, adding momentum to the thrust. Lower your kicking foot to the ground, returning to horse stance, and practice the thrusting kick with the other leg.

References

• "Karate Fighting Techniques: The Complete Kumite"; Kanazawa, Hirokazu; 2004