November 10th, 2013

From Sensei Lyle Kleusch,
Shihan, Ueshiro Mesabi Karate Dojo

Hammer-Fist Strike

The hammer-fist strike technique (kentsui-uchi) is a personal favorite of mine. It is extremely powerful and easy to train. We often use it for breaking. And in a life or death situation it can deal a crushing blow. In fact, it has been measured as the most powerful blow that can be delivered by hand.
If you haven’t begun training hammer fist yet then now is a good time to start. Ask your Sensei about training techniques and opportunities. The training of hammer fist in kata begins with the naihanchi series. (The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do by Shoshin Nagamine, pp 148-163) If your dojo has a makawara board, train on it every opportunity you have. The pictures from Master Nagamine’s book are excellent reference for training. Remember to squeeze your fist very tightly upon impact with each strike.
Arigato Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei, Senpai and Deshi.
Sensei Lyle Kleusch,
Shihan, Ueshiro Mesabi Karate Dojo