From Kyoshi David Baker, Shihan
Midtown Karate Dojo, Hombu
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The striking surface always aims at the target

As a "hard" style, Shorin-Ryu Karate uses direct or linear strikes.
Therefore, the striking surface remains aimed at the target throughout the striking
technique.

Bearing this rule in mind can correct many errors that Deshi make.

Examples of where the "striking surface always aims at the target" rule can
correct technique errors are:
1) In maegeri, make sure that the front edge of the toes always point at the
target. Many times, the Deshi will point the toes down toward the deck either
when he first lifts the foot off the deck or upon its return.
2) In zuki, make sure that the front edge of the first two knuckles always
aims at the target. Often, the Deshi throws the punch with the elbow too far
away from the side of the body (in a "chicken wing" position) which incorrectly
pushes the top of the fist toward the target (instead of the front edge of the
first two knuckles), thereby weakening the punch and endangering the
structural integrity of the wrist.
3) In oizuki punch specifically, the Deshi will often step first into
jigotaidachi with the fist in the pocket, and then incorrectly push the top of that
fist out toward the target.
4) In the travelling nihanchi stomp, the Deshi will often display the sole of
his foot forward, rather than keeping the bottom of the foot (striking
surface) always aimed down toward the deck (target).

Of course there are many exceptions to the rule as well, especially the
various circular strikes (non-linear) such as the neck strike in F2, the opening
hammer fist in P2, the three circular backfists in P3, the shuto-uchi ("karate
chop") to the neck in P4; plus all elbow strikes and the "hidden" punch in
Wanshu, etc.

But in the straight, linear moves, the striking surface always aims at the
target.

Domo arigato gozaimasu,
Kyoshi David Baker, Shihan
Midtown Karate Dojo, Hombu
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA
founded by Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro
under the direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione