The Pulling Hand!!

[sensei8]

In my group we name the principle "Hiki-te"

It's called the same thing in our group as well...Hikite.

It is a compound of the words "Higi" = Elbow and "Te" = Hand, describing the way that the elbow precedes the hand as the arm withdraws. I was always taught "feel the brush of your elbow against your side followed by your hand" - from a mechanical perspective, this makes the pull strong (as the closer you keep your pulling elbow/hand to your body the more efficient the technique is). When referring to this though, it is by way of grabbing and pulling your opponent onto/into the technique as a way to augment the process.

However, Higi = pull/draw; not elbow. Hiji = elbow. Nonetheless, the elbow within this principle is as you've stated in the above paragraph. Not to argue, but only to re-emphasis what we've both already said, and that is, the elbow must stay true in its path by remaining absolute close to ones side. Besides, for grins and giggles, it would be impossible for the elbow to not precede the hand on its path because, well, they're connected in one way or another on the arm; the elbow is where it is and the hand is where it is and to not leave him out of it...the shoulder is where it is...so on and so forth.

In Karate Kihon (basics) against fresh air, I can see how the act of pulling the non punching arm could be seen as a good way to allow the student to "feel" the process of trunk rotation, however in reality of course it has to be explained that the rotational point of most "typical" karate style striking techniques is seldom around the central axis/spinal column.

I agree. As I've stated before, hikite is great for the beginning student; it's a visual stimulant that has came to life. It's as simple as counting; one comes before two, and in that two comes after one, yet, it also comes before three at the same time.

Imho, it's therefore, incorrect to assume that a great hikite is necessary to make a punch more powerful, and the power in the punch isn't because the pulling hand is coming back forcefully. So many things contribute to making a punch more powerful: Breathing techniques, muscle contraction/expansion/extension/retraction, Ashi Sabaki/Yori Ashi, body shifting, dropping one's centre of gravity, using legs; pushing/pulling, the body; rotation/spinning, shoulder; movement/rotation, and, imho, the most important of all, hip/waist; movement/rotation

Primarily, power lives inside the hips. A good example of this would be the one-inch punch. In the one-inch punch, the hand doesn't begin from the hip or wherever; the punching hand is...well...one-inch away from target. My Dai-Soke was always saying..."No, no, no, no...no power; it mean no hip".

Another principle that compliments hikite is tsurite/lifting hands. This principle is valued in Judo, and in Shindokan, it's a important part of the Tuite that I practice within our Shindokan ryu. The right hand is the tsurite/lifting hand and the left hand is the hikite/pulling hand. To give tsurite its equal attention within KF, possibly tsurite is for another topic/thread.

[sojobo]

However, Higi = pull/draw; not elbow. Hiji = elbow.

You are correct sensei8, my bad for not checking my spelling - Hiki does indeed imply the verb to pull - it was late over here when I put that together and I got my Hiki and Hiji mixed up - point of fact though - elbow (Hiji) is instramental in the act of pulling (hiki).

Besides, for grins and giggles, it would be impossible for the elbow to not precede the hand on its path because, well, they're connected in one way or another on the arm; the elbow is where it is and the hand is where it is and to not leave him out of it...the shoulder is where it is...so on and so forth.

I see what you mean, but actually it is possible for the hand to pull and yet still not be directly behind the line of the elbows path.

Another principle that compliments hikite is tsurite/lifting hands. This principle is valued in Judo, and in Shindokan, it's a important part of the Tuite that I practice within our Shindokan Ryu. The right hand is the tsurite/lifting hand and the left hand is the hikite/pulling hand. To give tsurite its equal attention within KF, possibly tsurite is for another topic/thread.

Go for it.

Sojobo