Karate Strikes
When striking in Karate, it is always important to use the hips where possible to help drive more power to the punch. While many styles teach and emphasise strong techniques, beginners should first try to master the striking techniques with no power at all, remaining flexible and striking softly until proper technique is developed. Only then should power be applied to your strikes. Start by using just slight amounts of power and increase as your body adapts. It is a good idea to have a punch bag or a traditional karate makiwara board which is a post designed for karate strikes and training. Over time, power and technique will become second nature.
Hiji Ate / Empi Uchi | Elbow Strikes
In karate, there are many ways to strike an opponent but none so much as good as an elbow strike. The elbow is one of the strongest bones in the entire body and the round and rising elbow strikes of Mawashi Empio and Hiji Ate are the types of elbow strikes found in karate. Ideal for close quarter combat and an excellent for driving power as the muscles that drive forward the elbow come the the chest and torso, which combined with the hardness of the elbow make either Mawashi Empi or Hiji Ate / Empi Uchi terrific strikes. Full details and instructional video on Elbow Strikes.
Haito | Ridge Hand Strike
Haito, or ridgehand strike is an advanced open handed karate strike. The reason it is classed as advanced is because the strike uses an open hand karate chop form, using open handed strikes and chops require proper positioning of the fingers and one must pay lots of care and attention to how the hand is both formed and struck with, to avoid broken fingers, hands or wrists. Full details and instructional video on Haito.
Shuto | Knife Hand Strike
Shuto, or knifehand strike is an advanced open handed karate strike. The reason for classing as advanced is because the strike uses the open hand style of karate chops. Open handed strikes and chops require proper positioning of the fingers and you should first master how the hand is properly formed for striking, to avoid broken fingers, hands or wrists. Shuto is the famous chop that gives the Martial Art of Karate it's most traditional and iconic strike. Full details and instructional video on Shuto.