Otoshi-Hiji-Uchi is the 12-6 elbow of Karate. It gets its power from the arm fall and from the hardness of the elbow. The 12-6 elbow is banned in sport Kumite and often in full-contact Kumite (and also in MMA). However, it’s a great strike and it’s useful in close-distance self defense situations.
Traditional execution:
- Get in Heiko Dachi
- Raise your arm behind your head until your elbow is at your nose level
- Make it fall and at the same time, perform an hiki-te with your other hand
- Kiai! at maximum extention (optional)
- While retracting perform another move (e.g: another Otoshi-Hiji-Uchi)
Kumite execution:
- Get in Kumite no Kamae and bounce a little
- Raise your arm behind your head until your elbow is at your nose level
- Drop your body and make it fall
- 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: