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Foundation Set 8: Taijutsu:

Strike Mechanics

Type: Principle

            Everyone has some idea of how to attack, but there are some things the body can do to amplify the power and effectiveness of attacks without the need of increased strength.  The more of these you do together, the more powerful and effective your attacks will be. 

  • Proper fist.  The fist is defined as the proper striking surface of your strike.  That means that there is a ‘fist’ for your kicks.

    • For a punching fist, roll your fingers all the way while wrapping thumbs around the middle digits. 

    • Hit with the entire knuckles of the index and middle fingers.  Hit with the top area of the two knuckles on the top of your fist when hitting with the back side of your fist.

    • Kick with the shoe-lace area of your foot, inner blade (in step), outer blade (out step), heel, or under-toe.

    • Never hit with your wrists or ankles.

  • Be sure to not hyper-extend any limb.  Always strike so that your joints have a little give in them.

 

There are six ways to increase the effectiveness of your strikes while decreases the effort required.  These steps work for both punches and kick with a few differences between the two.

  1. Squeeze an imaginary sponge right before your punch reaches your targets.  This will whip it into the proper fist.  Point your knee at your target before you kick.

  2. Exhale as your strike.

  3. Pivot on your same side foot as you punch.  Pivot on your standing leg as you kick or rise to the balls of your feet.

  4. Use your stomach to rotate your skeleton.  The stomach or Center is a pivotal point for generating power.  Rotate your shoulders for punches and hips for kicks.

  5. Strike thru your target.

  6. Believe in the success of your strike.  Add your intention to your actions.

(Practice these principles with straight and hook punches and front and roundhouse kicks)

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Strike Set 2 (Elemental Strikes):

  • Wrecking Ball Punch (Earth)

  • Liquid Sword Hand (Water)

  • Cannon Burst Punch (Fire)

  • Air Slice Hand (Air)

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  • Stone Launcher Kick (Earth)

  • Fishing / Whipping Kick (Water)

  • Fire Side Kick (Fire)

  • Crescent Whirl Kick (Air)

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