Mae-Atemi-Uchi is the front headbutt of Karate. It gets its power from the neck swing and from the head weight. Headbutts are banned in sport Kumite and often in full-contact Kumite (exception made for Daidojuku-Ryu). Headbutts are extremely dangerous strikes when not executed correctly, so use them as last resource!
Traditional execution:
- Get in Heiko Dachi
- Swing the head forward until you form a 90° angle
- Kiai! at maximum extention (optional)
- While retracting perform another move (e.g: another Mae-Atemi-Uchi)
Variations:
- In Yoko-Atemi-Uchi and Ushiro-Atemi-Uchi you swing laterally and backwards respectively.
Kumite execution:
- Get in Kumite no Kamae and bounce a little
- Bend your knees forward by 30°
- Swing your body forward until you form a 90° angle with your neck
- Kiai! if you are competing in point sparring
Where to use (✅ - Use; ❌ - Don’t use; 🟨 - Last resource):
- Sport Kumite: ❌
- Full-Contact Kumite: 🟨 (if allowed)
- Self-Defense: 🟨
Video examples: