Uraken-Tsuki is the lateral uppercut punch of Karate. I consider it the signature punch of Karate, because of its frequent appereance in various styles but also exclusive to Karate. Its force comes from a small swinging motion, which is better than nothing but very weak compared to other punches It’s great in sport karate, less great in full-contact, since you would be better off with an hook and to avoid in self-defense for the same reason
Traditional execution:
- Get in Heiko Dachi
- Close your hands
- Swing a foot one meter forward while swinging externally the parallel arm to your temple height
- Simultaneously perform an hiki-te with the other arm
- Kiai! at maximum extention (optional)
- While retracting perform another move (e.g: another Uraken-Tsuki)
Kumite execution:
- Get in Kumite no Kamae and bounce a little
- Almost close your hand, but not completely
- Swing a foot one meter forward while swinging externally the parallel arm to the target
- Before impact, close your hand
- Kiai! if you are competing in point sparring
Where to use (✅ - Use; ❌ - Don’t use; 🟨 - Last resource):
- Sport Kumite: ✅
- Full-Contact Kumite: 🟨
- Self-Defense: ❌
Video examples: