Our previous blog was on the introduction to Karate. Now we are going to look at punches. It is a form of attack where a blow is delivered to the opponent with the help of a closed fist, using the knuckles (top two or bottom three), by straightening the elbow and with a twist of the hip.

The straight punch is the most commonly used one. Let's look at the variety of attacks that are done using this punch. For the punch to be effective, the formation of the fist is important. The fingers are folded to the base of the palm and are further folded. The thumb then folds over the clenched fingers to form a fist.

Generally, the top two knuckles are used as an impact point in most karate styles to deliver the punch. While punching, the fist twists just at the point of impact to deliver greater power, like a screw being driven in. In Karate practice, the following punches are generally used.

Forward/Mid-level Punch

This punch is generally aimed at the solar plexus or the opponent's chest area. It is used the most in all forms of Karate while performing Kihon, Katas, and Kumite. This punch originates from the backhand of the attacker and is delivered with a thrust of the hip.

Upward/Face-level Punch

This punch, as the name suggests, is an upward attack and is aimed at the attacker or opponent's face. It is also commonly used while performing Kihon, Katas, and Kumite. This punch originates from the backhand of the attacker and is delivered with a thrust of the hip.

Downward/Groin-level Punch

It means "form" and refers to a detailed choreographed pattern of martial arts movements made to be practiced alone or within groups and in unison when training. Katas start with basic formations and movements in the beginner grades and move on to complex and intense ones.

This punch is generally aimed at the groin area of the opponent. It is used the most in all forms of Karate while performing Kihon, Katas, and Kumite. This punch originates from the backhand of the attacker and is delivered with a thrust of the hip.

These punches are also used in combination with multiple punches or in combination with blocks. Maintaining eye contact with your opponent is very important while punching. Impact points must also be the same, except in case of double punches when impact points must be along the same vertical line.

We hope this blog helps you understand more about the art form. Practice your punches, along with the rest of the instructions you’ve read so far. Our next blog will be on Blocks in Karate.