All Karate strikes are offensive moves used to hit the vulnerable areas of an opponent’s body. They are basically precise accurate piston / missile type moves that can impede the neurological motor function of the human body when struck at vital areas.  These moves are explosive and can accelerate like a projectile to make the contact necessary to impede the opponent’s aggression.  Depending upon the circumstances, the contact of such strike may have various effects. These effects can range from causing temporary paralysis, impeding motor function skills in which the attacker may be easily be subdued, inflict sufficient pain to control the opponent, cause injury which under extreme cases may result in maiming, crippling, blinding and subsequently terminating or killing the attacker due to an extreme act of physical violence. These moves can follow linear as well as circular paths employing various parts arms, legs and feet.

There are several types of strikes as well as methods of executing them (This also applies to striking blocks) Application is contingent upon the opportunities that are available in which the circumstance may dictate the application of the strike (Hands or Feet or other) to both neutralize or subdue the attackers intent. Naturally, if opportunity does not present itself, there are transitional moves and combinations that may be employed to create a position of advantage in order to successfully execute a strike (Hands or Feet) toward the intended target or vital point of the body with highly effective results. It is also imperative to note that the ability to integrate simultaneously other fundamentals like footwork (Ashi Sabaki) and the managing of proper distance (Mai) is extremely important in order to be successful in the delivery of any strike along with the instantaneous instinctive response.

Spear Spear Hand “Nukite”

When attacking the throat, solar plexus, ribs, under arms, groin, eyes and other specific areas requiring a dagger type of weapon.

This is a “gross motor skill” weapon.

Single Finger “Ippon Nukite”

A more specific weapon. Designed for a smaller target like the eyes and trachea. This technique because of the precision required.

Is a “fine motor skill” weapon.

Double Finger  “Nihon Nukite”

When attacking the eyes, throat, solar plexus, and other specific areas requiring a dagger type of weapon.

This is a “gross motor skill” weapon.

Finger Scissors “Shikyo”

This U-shape weapon is designed for attacking and griping the eyes, throat, muscles and genitals.

This is also a “Fine Motor Skill” weapon.

Tigers Mouth “Koko”

Koko’s targets are the same as Shikyo, but the middle finger, the ring finger and the smallest finger are rolled into a knuckle to strike the target and then grip it with the thumb and index finger.

Is a “fine motor skill”weapon.

Single Knuckle “Ippon Ken”

This weapon uses the the sharp point of the index      fingers second joint, rolled tightly to the fist exposing the point . To attack areas like the upper lip, eyes,      trachea, jaw , some areas of the ribs, solar plexus.

Is a “gross motor skill”weapon.

Single Midle Knuckle “Nakadaka Ken”

This weapon uses the sharp point of the middle    fingers second joint, rolled tightly to the fist exposing the point. To attack areas like the upper lip, eyes, trachea, jaw, some areas of the ribs,  solar plexus.

Is a “fine motor skill” weapon.

Open Knuckle “Kaiko Ken”

Use the second joints of the index,middle and ring     fingers with the hand straighten and the fingers bent  exposing the second knuckle. Use this when attacking the throat, solar plexus, and other specific  areas requiring a dagger type of weapon.

This is a “gross motor skill” weapon.

Square Knuckle “Seiken”

The most common used weapon in Karate. All the fingers are rolled back to the base of the palm with the thumb crossed between the index finger and the       middle finger. The weapons main striking area is the first two knuckles. Remember to keep the wrist straight and the first and second knuckle in  straight alignment with the wrist.

This is a “gross motor skill” weapon.

Back Knuckle “Ura Uchi Ken”

This technique is performed like a whip. The arm is  propelled in the direction of the attack and at the end the wrist acts like a whip bending a little and making contact with the first and second knuckle. The are  variations of this by making contact with the hole back of the hand.

This is a “gross motor skill” weapon.

Circular punch “Furi Uchi Ken”

This is a hooking type strike where the arm and hand circles around and the wrist is inverted with the first knuckle pointing down. The first and second knuckle are the primary striking points.

This technique is used in the kata Seipai.

This is a “gross motor skill” weapon.

Hammer Fist “Tettsui”

In this technique the hand has the same shape of seiken zuki but the primary striking surface is area     under the roller up little finger. This technique mimics the action of a hammer.

This is a “gross motor skill” weapon.

Back of Hand “Haishu”

In this technique the action is like uraken but the hand is open and the primary striking area is the back on the hand.

This is a “gross motor skill” weapon.

 Sword hand “Shuto”

In this technique the hand is open the thumb is tucked tight against the hand the fingers and slightly rolled up and the primary striking area in the area from the little finger and the base of the hand.

This is a “gross motor skill” weapon.

Ridge hand “Haito”

This is a very fast and technique. The hand has the same shape as the shuto but the thumb is tuck tight   inside the palm. This exposes the knuckle of the thumb and the knuckle of the first finger as the primary  striking area.

This is a “gross motor skill” weapon.

Palm “Teisho”

This is a very powerful technique. The hand is open with the wrist bent back exposing the palm heal of the hand as the primary striking area.

This is a “gross motor skill” weapon.

Elbow “Hiji Ate”

This technique is performed by thrusting the elbow at a target the hands could be open or close and the technique could be used in several angles of attack.

This is a “gross motor skill” weapon.