Nihon Nukite

Nihon Nukite, a prominent technique in Karate, involves a two-finger strike specifically aimed at the eyes of an attacker. It is important to note that this strike is primarily used in self-defense situations and not in Kumite, which is a controlled sparring practice. Leveraging the simple principle that an attacker who cannot see you cannot effectively target you, Nihon Nukite serves as a powerful tool for personal safety.

Targeted Execution: Nihon Nukite can only be executed at close range and directly in front of the attacker. This precise strike requires you to be within striking distance and facing the aggressor. If you find yourself in a position where you are not directly in front of the attacker, Ippon Nukite becomes a viable alternative. Ippon Nukite involves a single-finger strike and maintains a straight attack rather than a circular motion.

Finger Positioning for Safety and Effectiveness: The positioning of your fingers during the execution of Nihon Nukite is crucial for both safety and impact. Specifically, the two main fingers (index and middle finger) are the ones intended to make contact with the attacker’s eyes, while the remaining three fingers are held together to support the hand and maintain stability. This finger alignment helps reduce the risk of injury and ensures proper transfer of force from your hand to the target.

Understanding Hand Anatomy: Given the delicate nature of the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the hand, correct hand positioning is essential during Nihon Nukite. These intricate structures are relatively small and susceptible to injury, making it imperative to maintain proper alignment and technique. By doing so, you minimize the risk of hand-related injuries while maximizing the effectiveness of your strike.

Enhancing Hand Strength and Conditioning: To optimize the execution of Nihon Nukite and reduce the chances of injury, it is beneficial to incorporate exercises that specifically target hand strength and flexibility. This may include grip strengthening exercises, finger extensions, hand squeezes, and utilizing hand exercise tools. Strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the hand not only enhances the power of your strike but also improves overall hand stability and resilience.

Seek Guidance from a Qualified Instructor: To master the correct execution and application of Nihon Nukite, it is highly recommended to seek guidance from a qualified Karate instructor. They possess the expertise to provide comprehensive training, ensure proper form, and offer individualized guidance based on your skill level and goals.

By understanding the intricacies of Nihon Nukite, including its targeted execution, finger positioning, and the importance of hand anatomy, you can harness the power of this technique effectively. Remember, safety should always be a priority, and seeking professional guidance will aid in developing proper technique, allowing you to confidently employ Nihon Nukite as a valuable tool in self-defense situations.

Useful uses for Nihon Nukite:

• You are against the wall and the attacker is too close.
• You are on the ground and the attacker is on top of you.
• The attacker is grabbing your shirt and pulling you in.
• The attacker has both of his hands on your neck and is choking you.

Nihon Nukite Step by Step

For training purposes, you can be on a Kiba Dachi and execute the strike just like a punch.

In Self-Defense:

• Depending on the attack and how close the attacker is how you would use this strike.
• Always from the outside over the arms and straight to the eyes. You have to move your arm over his arm. It is better this way because if you try from the inside the attacker might stop your move.

Nihon Nukite is a pressing technique and it has variants depending on the angle you are. For example, if you are not in front of your attacker diagonally, then you cannot use the two fingers on both eyes, but you use them on one.

Karate Techniques

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• Karate Strikes
• Karate Traditional Katas
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• Karate General Terminology

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