How to Perform Shotokan Karate Hand Strikes

Shotokan karate is a martial art developed by Gichin Funakoshi in Okinawa, Japan, in the early 20th century. In 1922, Funakoshi traveled to Tokyo and performed a Shotokan demonstration at the National Athletic Exhibition. Soon after, many Japanese martial artists were inspired to learn this new art, which included powerful stances, sharp kicks and forceful hand strikes. Basic Shotokan hand strikes are easy to learn and can serve as part of an effective martial arts workout.

Instructions

  1. Basic Shotokan Punch

    • 1

      Curl your fingers into a fist. Begin at the pinkie and roll your fingers into your palm one at a time. Keep your thumb on the outside of your fist and hold it against your knuckles. Never wrap your fingers around your thumb and hold it inside your fist. This will lead to injury when you strike.

    • 2

      Pull your fist back to your hip and turn your palm upward. Curl your other hand into a fist and hold it out in front of your body with the palm facing downward. Keep the fingers of both fists loose for now.

    • 3

      Thrust the punch from your hip out to the striking zone while simultaneously pulling the other hand back. The motion of both hands together adds snap to your strike. Twist your wrists to turn your hands over so that the striking hand's palm faces downward and the palm at your hip faces upward. Clench both of your fists a split second before the striking hand hits the target.

    Basic Shotokan Back Fist Strike

    • 4

      Make a fist and hold it across your body at your opposite shoulder, keeping your wrist loose for the moment.

    • 5

      Step toward your target with the foot that's on the same side as your striking hand. If you are striking with your right hand, step out with your right foot. Step out with the left foot to deliver a left-handed strike. Turn your body sideways, leading with your striking hand's shoulder.

    • 6

      Direct your fist out toward your target in a backhanded motion.

    • 7

      Snap your elbow to add speed to the strike, and tighten your wrist a split second before your fist hits the target. Strike with the top of your hand, or the back of your fist.