Philosophy behind head punches in Shotokan?

[Kanku65]

A lack of oi-zuki and kizami-zuki, I feel is bizarre. Doesn't sound right. Then again perhaps they're trying to really push that powerful gyaku-zuki.

Where I train, we're allowed to use any fist to the head so long as it makes safe, controlled contact, and open hand strikes to the head if we plan on using zero contact at all. Accidents happen of course, but we're all very trusting and forgiving of one another. Competition however is different. I cannot quote all the rules off the top of my head, but there are some major differences between our dojo sparring and competition time.

That all being said, perhaps the philosophy behind OPs question is just general safety. I personally find gyaku-zuki easier to control than kizami. But oi-zuki is also very basic and typically the first strike you ever learn when practicing shotokan karate. Hmmm.

Are you allowed kicks to the head?

[chrissyp]

A lack of oi-zuki and kizami-zuki, I feel is bizarre. Doesn't sound right. Then again perhaps they're trying to really push that powerful gyaku-zuki.

Where I train, we're allowed to use any fist to the head so long as it makes safe, controlled contact, and open hand strikes to the head if we plan on using zero contact at all. Accidents happen of course, but we're all very trusting and forgiving of one another. Competition however is different. I cannot quote all the rules off the top of my head, but there are some major differences between our dojo sparring and competition time.

That all being said, perhaps the philosophy behind OPs question is just general safety. I personally find gyaku-zuki easier to control than kizami. But oi-zuki is also very basic and typically the first strike you ever learn when practicing shotokan karate. Hmmm.

Are you allowed kicks to the head?

Yes we are allowed kicks to the head. I'm wondering if the rules we train under are based around the local tournaments? I was just curious as to why we have such a limited variety of punches to use, where are some styles of no strikes to the head, or the ability to use any punch. It just feels like an odd middle ground. I might just be unsure of the rules, so i'm gonna double check with my instructor.