Punching techniques

[WhiteBelt]

I want to learn more about the different punching techniques in karate. So far I've been taught the straight punch, and the reverse punch. Both are pretty much the same, it just depends on which arm throws the punch... What other techniques are there, and how are they done properly? All I can find are names, and small descriptions that don't really help.

[SaiFightsMS]

That is the difference between learning from an instructor and learning from a book. There can be a fairly significant difference in oi tsuki and gyaka tsuki though depending on how much hip rotation is channeled into the gyaka tsuki.

[WhiteBelt]

I understand that. The reverse punch has a lot of power from the hips. But what I am interested in is other techniques. I have only really been taught a few, and am curious about the others. Are all of the other techniques useless? (BTW, I don't care about tournaments...)

[SaiFightsMS]

No all of the techniques have a value in a given situation. A lot depends on what part of the body the technique is to be used on.

[WhiteBelt]

Then why are they so hard to find...

 

Guess I better try my university library, or my dojo when I get the chance. Sometimes I'm just impatient.

[DokterVet]

Inverted punch(fist remains upside down - usually a close range strike to the body, or upward blow to the nose as seen in Pinan Yodan)

 

slip punch - a short punch that travels to the side accross your body (usually a short strike to the body from a sideways stance/situation as in the Neifanchi katas)

 

Most hand strikes in karate are just variations of the front punch and the reverse punch.