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2. Offensive Thrusts

The Clenched Fist

This is the most frequently used striking point. However, it can only be mastered after constant practice and training. When properly executed to­ward the right pressure points, the Clenched Fist can drop your opponent for the count of ten— and out! Do not be fooled into thinking that the Karate Clenched Fist blow is as easy as it looks. Be sure to study the illustrations. Notice that the forearm and the knuckles form a perpendicular line. Notice also that the front of the fist and the top knuckles form a 90° angle. In order to carry the maximum striking power from your body, thru your arm, and to the fist, that line must be straight.

Even though your adversary is 50 lbs. heavier, 5 inches taller, with broad shoulders and a Rock of Gibraltar stature, you can knock him out . . . perhaps with one smashing blow! That is why even an experienced Judo man is afraid to "lock horns" with a good Karate man. (See Fig. 1 & 2)

Single Finger

Here is a relatively easy but effective form of at­tack. It can be mastered quicker than other Karate offensive moves. It is frequently used in striking your opponent in the solar plexus or, if you must, in the eyes. The striking force is the forefinger— your pointing finger. You curl your hand into a and arms. You should be able to do 15 or 25 push­ups a day.

fist, except for the forefinger, which is kept straight as a ruler. See illustration. You can use the SingleFinger  attack  in three  ways—upward,  downward and straight forward.  (See Fig. 3)

Two Finger

The Two Finger attack is often used when you want to render your opponent temporarily helpless. It is a quick, decisive, effective stroke. But it must be used with caution. Your striking points are your first two finger tips. Sounds rather ineffectual, but alas no! In Karate your two fingertips are like sharp spears. The Two Finger attack gives you twice the striking power of the Single Finger attack described above. The remaining fingers are curled into a fist. But if you are in a tight spot and the seconds count, do not hesitate to get the full force of this attack by spreading the two fingers out—in a horizontal V-for-Victory sign. Your target is your opponent's eyes. A quick, sharp stab will prove that the fingers are quicker than the eyes!  (See Fig. 4)

The Hook

When you give your opponent "The hook" he won't know it—until he catches his gasping breath again! By that time you have the upper hand. When you employ The Hook in Karate, you will prove once again that size and weight per se mean little. You can be smaller than your enemy—20, 50, yes even 100 pounds lighter! You can be frail, even sickly. But do not despair. You pack TNT in your hand, if used according to the ancient Karate principles. To form The Hook, you place your hand in the shape of a clamp or hook. Where do you use it? You direct the Hook at one of the most vulnerable parts of the human body—the Adam's apple. And it's applesauce for your opponent! He will then use his big, hairy paws—not in attacking you—but in clutch­ing his aching throat. He will never expect the Hook, nor the tears of pain that will flow down his grubby cheeks.

But from that moment on, you may not be the apple of his eye, but you can cer­tainly expect RESPECT from any wisenheimer. (See Fig. 5)

The Knife Hand

This sounds like a misnomer, since no knife is used, but your opponent will swear that razor-sharp cutlery was employed, that is, after he recovers! The Knife Hand can be used in two ways, both ex­tremely painful: The downward chop and the side chop. The downward chop is formed by crooking the arm at the elbow and swinging it down obliquely in a swift, slashing, hammer-like motion. Be sure to keep the fingers rigid and close together. Learn to strike fast. The downward Knife Hand is es­pecially effective on the forearm, the neck, the ribs. It can cause your opponent stinging, excruciating pain. The second variation is the side chop. It is formed by swinging the hand out in a semi-circle from the elbow. The palm should be kept rigid. (See Fig. 6)

The Claw

The Claw is used mainly in attacking the ears. The tips of the four fingers and thumb are spread and bent. The hand is arched backward. Keep your fingers rigid. Both hands can be used to box your opponent's ears. You claw, dig, jab, twist and turn. Do it quickly before your adversary can anticipate your attack. (See Fig. 7)

The Thumb

In a baseball game when the umpire thumbs a player, the latter is ejected from the game. In Karate when you give your opponent the Thumb, he's ejected, rejected and dejected—in that order! First, he's ejected from his spot. Second, he's rejected from attacking you. Third, he's dejected because he thought YOU were the "soft touch" type. The Thumb attack is formed by extending the thumb with the fingers curled into a fist. You may direct this blow in an upward fashion, forward or down­ward. The beauty of the Thumb attack is that your opponent is prepared for, a blow to the head, and you give him the Thumb in the groin or solar plexis. Quick, silent, painful. This is one Karate striking point that anybody can master, even if you're "all thumbs".   (See Fig. 8)

The Kiss or Grind

At some time or other in your life you have seen a relative or member of the family off on a trip. As the train or ship pulls out, you wave and "blow a kiss". In blowing a kiss to a departing loved one, you bunch your fingers to a point with the hand arched back. In Karate you do the same thing . . . to a point. You don't blow your opponent a kiss. But you do "kiss" your opponent with a blow. The Kiss attack (also referred to as The Grind by many students of Karate) is employed as a gentle physical warning to somebody to watch out—or things will really get rough . . . for him! The Kiss or Grind may be executed in a corkscrew manner—digging its way into the stomach, cheek or eyes. (See Fig. 9)

One Knuckle

Curl your hand into a fist. Extend the knuckle of the forefinger out and hold it down with the thumb. Now watch that boorish boob knuckle down to YOU! Use the One Knuckle attack to your op­ponent's eyes, temple, or other vulnerable parts of the anatomy. You can jab or dig with this attack. (See Fig. 10)

Middle Knuckle

This is an adaptation of the One Knuckle attack. In this case, the middle or center knuckle carries the brunt of the attack. The hand is curled into a fist but the center knuckle is extended. (See. Fig. 11)

Fore Knuckle Fist

Press your fingers together with the thumb, but extend the fore knuckle. This striking method is particularly effective when attacking between the nose and upper lip, the temple or the stomach. (See Fig. 12)

Big Knuckles Forward

The tips of the big knuckles are the main striking points. You curl your hand into a fist. Overlap the fingers with the thumb. This type of blow is often a raking jab or hook. (See Fig. 13)

Big Knuckles Backward

Here again the striking point is the tips of the big knuckles. However, the palm of your hand faces you. See illustration. This blow is similar to a slap or grind. (See Fig. 14)

Back Hand Lash

When someone gets fresh or tries to bully you and you give him the "back of your hand" in Karate, the poor guy might conceivably land on his back! The Back Hand Lash is one of the earliest striking methods in the art of Karate, dating back many centuries. In the Back Hand Lash you keep the entire hand stiff as a board, fingers extended straight out and close together. Arm should remain stiff. Use this blow in attacking the ribs or blocking an opponent's thrust. (See Fig. 15)

Side Hand Lash

This  is  similar  to  the  Knife  Attack  except  the inside or thumb area is used. The position is as follows: Hand remains open. Fingers are extended out and pressed close together. Use the Side Hand Lash in attacking the ribs or face. (See Fig. 16)

Side Hand Hammer Blow

This blow is facetiously called the "Hammer of Thor" because it hits like thunder and can result in temporary sense loss and paralysis. You form a clenched fist. Keep arm straight up and rigid. Then smash downward . . . and look out below! (See Fig. 17)

Bottom Fist

The Bottom Fist is employed when attacking hard surfaces, like the head, elbow joint and also in blocking opponent's blows. This Karate striking point is very effective when you're faced with two opponents, one on each side. Smash both in the ribs simultaneously. Before they can regain their com­posure, you're free ... to fight another day. (See Fig. 18)

Back Fist

The back fist is formed almost like the clenched fist described previously, except the striking force is the area of the knuckles and back of hand. See illustration. This method is used mainly for block­ing and in attacking your foe's ribs and face. (See Fig. 19)

Heel of Palm

Give the heel of your palm to any obnoxious heel and listen to him howl . . . for mercy. The Heel of Palm is formed by arching the hand back, almost to a 90° angle. The fingers should be bent and slightly spread. Use this position -when attacking the face, nose, chin or jaw. (See Fig. 20)

The Choker

Use the Choker on any smart-aleck joker. It will make him think twice—and then turn the other way. The striking point of this position is the area be­tween the thumb and forefinger. (See Fig. 21)

Ox-Jaw Hand

You can give any annoying "pain-in-the-neck" a real pain in the neck for hours with the Ox-Jaw Hand blow.

A swift smash to the neck or collar bone does the trick. (See Fig. 22)

Back Wrist

The joint at the back of wrist is the striking point of this blow. With the palm facing you, curl your hand into a fist and bend it inward. This is an ef­fective defensive position and will thwart most of your foe's attacks. (See Fig. 23)

Bent Wrist

A variation of the back wrist, except the fingers and thumb droop downward and away from you. This is strictly a blocking position. Use it accord­ingly. (See Fig. 24)

Chicken Head Wrist

A good Karate man must know not only offensive techniques but defensive or blocking motions too. Often it is not necessary to repel a foe with a swift, painful blow. If a roughneck tries to push his blubbery weight around, smart defensive tactics might make him look awfully silly. By adroitly blocking his blows, you can deflate any bag of wind. The Chicken Head Wrist is an excellent blocking posi­tion and will make a "turkey" out of many an op­ponent. Use it often. (See Fig. 25)

Outside Wrist

Did you ever knock on the front door, and not get an immediate "who is it" from inside? Then you pound with the side of a clenched fist. If some­body's home, you can rest assured that knocking will bring him a-running! In Karate the Outside Wrist blow brings results too. You strike sharply with the outside edge of the wrist joint. Be sure to keep arm rigid when delivering the blow. You can hit downward, sideways, upward or forward. The Outside Wrist motion can be used defensively or offensively. (See Fig. 26)

Shoulder Pinch

When a policeman disarms a burglar, rest assured the latter will raise his hands ... to surrender. Similarly in a Karate match, if you can "disarm" your opponent, you need not strike another blow. You have won the match. In Karate a man's weapons are his hands, feet, elbows and legs.

                 

The purpose of the Shoulder Pinch is to immobilize your op­ponent's arms and hands. And if you can tem­porarily "paralyse" those vital organs, you're the victor! You can apply the Shoulder Pinch two ways: from the front and from behind. Just dig your thumb into the hollow under the collar bone; press your fingers into his back—and squeeze like an enthusiastic accordian player! You'll hear the sweet music of "I surrender, dear" from your foe. (See Fig. 27)

Forearm

This position is widely used in blocking. You can use the outside edge of the forearm or the inside edge of the forearm. Both are equally effective. (See Fig. 28)

Elbow Smashes

If you ask your next door neighbor what is the major function of the elbow, chances are he may answer "to rest it on a table or counter while eat­ing—or holding up one's head while dozing off."

Facetiously, he may be right. But in Karate, the elbow assumes a very important, indispensable role. It is one of the most damaging striking weapons. Listed below are some of the many positions that can be used with the elbow:   (See Fig. 29)

Elbow Thrust—Straight Up

The striking point is the tip of the elbow. Clench fist, extend elbow. Bring forearm back toward you. Strike your opponent with a fast upward stroke. Strike an opponent on the chin with an elbow thrust and it's "chins up" for your foe—as he looks at the ceiling lying on his back! (See Fig. 30)

Elbow Thrust—Straight Down

Again the striking point is the tip of the elbow. Clench fist, extend elbow high up, bring forearm back toward you. Strike your opponent in a down­ward fashion.

Elbow Rake Thrust

Extend the elbow away from you. Clench your fist. Bring forearm back close to you. Charge your foe by moving elbow side to side in raking or jabbing motion.

Elbow Back Thrust

Bend forearm at the waist. Extend fingers straight out, stiff and close together (as Li the Knife Posi­tion). Stab or jab an opponent straight back. (See Fig. 31)

Elbow High Rear

Here is another powerful Karate striking point. Ex­tend fingers straight out and close together, keep palm down and arm rigid. Bend forearm to the waist. Strike your opponent upward and to the rear by slightly turning your body away from him at the precise moment you attack. You should practice this movement carefully, preferably in "slow mo­tion" in front of a large mirror. Proper balance and stance are vital to execute this motion with a high degree of perfection. (See Fig. 32)

Elbow Circular Thrust

Another good striking point with the tip of the elbow is called the Elbow Circular Thrust. Fingers are held straight out and close together, palm to you. Attack to the rear in a circular, grinding movement. Strike to the solar plexus or ribs. (See Fig. 33)

Knee

The knee is mainly used in close range attack to the groin, thigh, solar plexus and chest. You can

strike in many directions with the knee—up, down, sideways, forward, inside and outside. When size and weight are in your adversary's favor, you can use his own superior weight and girth against Mm.

By using your knee movements adeptly, by attack­ing his weakest pressure points, a good small man can cut a brute down to his size with a few sting­ing knee smashes. (See Fig. 34)

The Knee Smash

This is the most effective knee attack and can tem­porarily disable a foe. Bend knee and bring up your leg. Point the knee toward your target. Zero in! Smash upward! Use the Knee Smash only when an emergency demands it. It is so acutely painful that your opponent may double up in extreme pain, then collapse. Apply first aid immediately. Then call a doctor. (See Fig. 35)

The Knee Side Smash

Bend the knee and bring your leg up. Point the knee toward your target. Hook the knee side to side. A few Knee Side Smashes will convince your enemy that you ain't fooling around! (See Fig. 36)

The Knee Down Smash

Here is a Karate offensive thrust that might pul­verize your opponent. Bend the knee and bring the leg up behind you. Strike by dropping the knee straight down on your opponent like an anchor plummeting into the open sea!  (See Fig. 37)

The Heel

They say that everybody has an Achilles' Heel, a soft spot. In Karate the heel can become a formid-

able striking point. You can feint your opponent off guard with your hands and elbows, then strike with the heel. Use the heel movements to kick and stamp your opponent's groin, solar plexus, instep —and even the jaw! The specific heel movements follow:   (See Fig. 38)

Back Heel Stamp

Raise foot slightly and point downward, bend knee forward. Strike your opponent by stamping back­ward. (See Fig. 39)

Inside Heel Stamp

Raise foot slightly and point the toes away from your body at 45° angle. Bend the knee forward. Strike by swiftly stamping the inside of the heel to the rear. Your opponent may not give you the stamp of approval for this movement, but then you are not expecting it, are you? (See Fig. 40)

Outside Heel Stamp

Raise foot slightly and angle the toes away from the body. Bring knee forward. Strike by suddenly stamping the outside of the heel to the side or rear. (See Fig. 41)

Downward Heel Stamp

Raise the knee upward about 18 inches with the toes slightly arched. Strike by smashing straight down. Stamp any heel with the heel stamp! (See Fig. 42)

Roundhouse Instep Smash

Turn your body sideways away from your op­ponent, as if you were off balance. Raise leg high up and bend foot so that the curve of your instep is parallel to the floor. Strike your opponent by

hooking the instep in a sweeping horizontal hook. This is especially effective in smashing at the groin. (See Fig. 43)

Forward Instep Smash

Raise the knee straight up with the toes pointing straight down and close to you. Strike by directing the instep forward or to the side, as the case may be. The forward instep smash is the coup d'etat when directed to the groin in close range fighting. But it should be used with extreme caution for it can seriously injure your opponent, perhaps per­manently.  (See Fig. 44)

Front Skull Smash

In the art of Karate as in the sport of soccer, the head plays a vital role. You use your head to out­wit an antagonist—and you also stay ahead in a match by using your head literally. The front skull smash is used when you can almost feel the grizzly beard of your foe scratching your face. Bring your

head slightly back, tense your neck muscles, then strike suddenly by snapping your head forward. If your combatant doesn't see stars, he certainly will see the nearest exit—and stagger to it! (See Fig. 45)

Back Skull Smash

Your opponent is right up close behind you. You can almost feel him breathing down your neck. Tilt

your head slightly forward, tense your neck muscles, then snap your head back in a swift, smashing mo­tion on the bridge of your adversary's nose. (See Fig. 46)

Bottom of Foot

Karate is the art of self-defense with unarmed weapons. No clubs, knives or pistols are used. No sticks or baseball bats. Your weapons are right on your person—the legs, arms, hands, head, elbow . . . and even the feet—corns, calluses and all! There are six different foot positions involved:

Ball of Foot—Downward Glide

Raise the foot high, bend the knee, curl toes up­ward as far as possible. Strike by stamping ball of foot straight down in grinding fashion. (See Fig. 47)

Ball of Fool—Rear Grind

Raise the foot high, bend the knee so foot is horizon­tal to floor, curl toes up so that the ball of foot is projected. Strike by stamping ball of foot to the rear in grinding fashion. (See Fig. 48)

Ball of Foot—Straight

Bend the entire body slightly back with the weight on the left foot. Raise the right foot up and back with knee only slightly bent. Curl the toes up. Strike by smashing the ball of the foot straight ahead. (See Fig. 49)

The Mule Kick

In its execution the Mule Kick resembles the swift kick of a mule. Raise your foot up under you and toward the rear. Bend your body downward from the waist. Then wham your opponent with a rear thrust, using the arch as the striking point. (See Fig. 50)

Verticle Underfoot Stomp

Bend the knee slightly up and forward. Bring the foot back. Toes pointing forward. Strike by driving the heel straight back in a stomping or grinding motion.

Side Underfoot Stomp

You turn your body to the side. Raise the knee and foot to the rear; angle the toes toward the side. Strike by stomping the arch back and up in a grand-ing motion. (See Fig. 51)

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