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Tettsui (鉄槌)

Introduction

Tettsui (鉄槌) is a striking surface where contact occurs with the thick part at the base of the little-finger side of the fist.

The fist is formed like seiken, but the striking surface lies on the little-finger side. Tettsui is used in strikes (uchi, 打ち), mainly from the side or from above.

Definition

Tettsui (鉄槌)
A striking surface where contact occurs with the thick, fleshy part at the base of the little-finger side of a clenched fist.

Terminology

Japanese: 鉄槌
Romaji: tettsui
English: hammer fist

Structure / Form

Basic position

  • the hand is clenched like seiken
  • the fingers are closed tightly
  • the thumb locks the fist over the fingers

Position

  • the fist is oriented so that the little-finger side forms the striking surface
  • the thick part at the base of the fist is directed toward the target

Wrist

  • the wrist is kept straight
  • the back of the hand and the forearm are kept in line

Striking surface

Primary contact

  • the thick part at the base of the little-finger side of the fist

Secondary contact (should be avoided)

  • knuckles
  • wrist
  • forearm

Basic principles

Structure

The fist is closed compactly as in seiken.

Body connection

Power is transferred through the body to the striking surface.

English:
ground → leg → hip → torso → shoulder → arm → striking surface

Japanese / romaji:
jimen (地面) → ashi (足) → koshi (腰) → dōtai (胴体) → kata (肩) → ude (腕) → datotsu-bu (打突部)

Kime (決め)

Power is concentrated at the moment of impact.

Execution

Movement

  • the strike starts without unnecessary tension
  • the movement is driven by the coordination of the body
  • the strike goes mainly from the side or from above

Impact

  • contact occurs with the thick part at the base of the little-finger side
  • the wrist and forearm are kept in a straight line

Retraction

  • the other hand is pulled back in hikite (引き手)
  • the striking arm is pulled back directly after impact

Use

Tettsui is used, among other things, in:

  • tettsui komekami uchi (鉄槌こめかみ打ち)
  • tettsui oroshi uchi (鉄槌下ろし打ち)
  • tettsui yoko uchi (鉄槌横打ち)
  • tettsui hizō uchi (鉄槌脾臓打ち)

Training

Tettsui is trained through:

  • kihon
  • repetitions
  • controlled striking training
  • makiwara in appropriate forms

Focus:

  • correct striking surface
  • compact fist
  • straight wrist
  • clear direction in the strike

Common errors

Incorrect striking surface

  • contact occurs with the knuckles or wrist
  • power is transferred less effectively
  • the hand risks being injured

Bent wrist

  • breaks the alignment
  • weakens the impact

Loose fist

  • the structure opens on impact
  • the striking surface becomes unstable

Lack of body connection

  • the strike becomes arm-driven
  • power is not transmitted correctly

Summary

Tettsui (鉄槌) is a striking surface where contact occurs with the thick part at the base of the little-finger side of the fist.

It is defined by:

  • the same basic fist as seiken
  • impact with the base of the little-finger side
  • straight wrist
  • compact structure