Tsuki Waza – Punching Technique.
Uchi Waza – Striking Technique.
As a general rule, strikes are easier to learn than blocks. However, it is important to point out that strikes carry a higher risk of injuring oneself. This is because one is deliberately causing an impact between a part of one’s body and a target. It is important to pay attention to the details to avoid injury. Self defense begins with good technique.
When viewing the video on teaching blocks, watch for the following strategies:
- Introducing one detail at a time, then giving at least eight repetitions to practice before moving on to the next detail.
- Show and tell – explain what the target is for each strike and show how the hand will make contact.
- Doing technique with the student, followed by the student doing technique solo, followed by the student hitting a target.
[Insert Video Here]
Instructional Sequence
Seiken Tsuki
- Start with left hand out right hand in chamber. Do two – just moving hands – no details.
- Add detail: palm up until halfway out. Demo: “Push me away.” Do six to ten reps.
- Add detail: elbow slightly bent. Field trip to office door to look at hinges (for juniors – just describe for teens/adults). Demo: roll up sleeve and show fast punch with elbow slightly bent. Do six to ten reps.
- Add detail: tight fist/straight wrist. Discuss possible injuries. Do 10 reps.
- If there is time, have student hit a focus target (soft, but firm).
Ura Ken/Ura Uchi/Hara Uchi
- Explain that a backfist hits with the back of the fist, rather than the front.
- Keep elbows bent.
- Make sure they know their target.
Shita Tsuki/Tate Ken Tsuki
- “Half a Punch” and “Three Quarters of a Punch” – show the connection to Seiken Tsuki.
- Do not give White Belts the idea of tilting their fist in at the end – too much, too soon!
Fura Uchi
- Good time to discuss Code of Ethics & judging the situation.
- Target, fist position.
Shuto Uchi
- Hand position – tight, not cupped.
- Target.
- Roll hand from chamber up to side – fingers between eye and ear.
- Swing around to front, lead with elbow.
- When hitting target, hit with side of palm, not fingers.