How to perform a Straight Punch ('choku-tsuki') in Karate.

Straight Punch - 'choku-tsuki'

The straight punch is a fundamental part of the karate training sylabus and almost all forms ('kata'). The moves described here make up the very core of Shotokan; the powerful stances and hard hitting energy, the subtle yet significant movements. It should be noted that the straight punch can be performed in different stances, although onlyone is described in this article, Front Stance ('zenkutsu-dachi').

So lets get down to buisness !

Front Stance

To properly assume a front stance first begin by standing with your feet shoulder width apart with both hands resting in a fist infront of you, level with your hips. You should have your feet flat on the floor and your knees slightly bent. This is called the 'ready position' ('shizentai'). (startposition)

Then, we move into front stance. Move your left leg slightly forwards and to the centre, at the same time bringing your left hand up to your ear (this photograph shows the hand with an open palm, although this is not necissary) (fig1) . Then shift your weight forwards and allow the momentum to move your left leg further outwards, bending your knee and bringing your left fist down in an arc across your body, also lifting your right fist so it is now in line with your navel (fig2) . Finally, extend out your left foot enough so that it just blocks your toes from view and both feet are shoulder width apart, and have your left fist immediatly above your knee. Your hips should not be square, that is you should not be able to rotate your right hip any further backwards (clockwise) (fig3) . Congratulations ! You have moved into front stance, and also performed a downward sweeping block in the process !

the Straight Punch

Now for the difficult part! Push your weight forward onto your front knee, and at the same time begin to slide your back leg forwards. Your leading arm should be lifted to be level with your chest, and your palms should be open (fig4) . Next, continuing the movement, bring your rear leg into the centre so that your heels and toes are touching and begin to bring your left arm back to where it was in the starting position (fig5) . Lunge your right leg forward and begin to move your weight onto it, and extend your fist at the same time ( the movement of your legs is essensially the same as the movement from the ready position into front stance, however this time your centre of gravity is much lower and so is more strenuous) (fig6) . Lastly, force your leading (right) hip forwards and extend your arm, twisting your wrist at the point of contact, and bend your front knee into a deep stance, identical to that of the front stance as before. (fig7) + finally (fig8)

The power in this punch comes from its explosiveness and its incorperation of your bodys momentum and centre of gravity. The process begins when both feet are together, and you shift your weight forward to create momentum. To do this, you have to first push your rear heel into the ground, sending the energy up your leg, and as you twist your hips the energy is transfered through your core and finally through your shoulders, arms and wrist when you finally place your leading leg down. You should always strive to make contact with your target at the same time as landing with your front leg, so as to maximise the transfer of energy. There you have it, you can now perform a choko-tsuki !! Congratulations !!

NB. These moves are intended as a training tool only, and cannot guarentee any real self-defence benifits unless keenly practiced. Please, don't go starting any fights !