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Tohō (刀峰)

Introduction

Tohō (刀峰) is a hand form in which the striking surface is formed by the curved surface between the thumb and index finger.

The hand is kept open and is used in directed thrusts.

Definition

Tohō (刀峰)
A striking surface where contact occurs with the curved surface between the thumb and index finger.

Terminology

Japanese: 刀峰
Romaji: tohō
English: sword-peak hand / the area between the thumb and index finger

Structure / Form

Basic position

  • the hand is kept open
  • the hand is kept straight
  • the palm is kept facing downward in the basic form

Thumb

  • the thumb is brought out to the side
  • it is kept clearly separated from the hand

Fingers

  • the fingers are kept forward
  • the hand is kept gathered and stable

Wrist

  • the wrist is kept stable
  • the hand and forearm are kept in line

Striking surface

Primary contact

  • the curved surface between the thumb and index finger

Secondary contact (should be avoided)

  • thumb
  • fingers
  • palm

Basic principles

Structure

The hand is kept open and stable so that the surface between the thumb and index finger becomes clear as a striking surface.

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 technique starts without unnecessary tension
  • the movement is driven by the coordination of the body
  • the hand follows a clear thrust line toward the target

Impact

  • contact occurs with the surface between the thumb and index finger
  • the impact is carried in with controlled direction

Retraction

  • the hand is pulled back directly after impact

Use

Tohō is used in directed thrusts, especially in scissor thrusts to the throat.

Training

Tohō is trained through:

  • controlled repetitions
  • precision training

Focus:

  • correct hand form
  • correct striking surface
  • stable thumb position
  • clear direction in the thrust

Common errors

Incorrect thumb position

  • the hand form breaks
  • the striking surface becomes unclear

Incorrect striking surface

  • contact occurs with the thumb, fingers, or palm
  • the technique loses its precision

Unstable structure

  • the hand collapses at the moment of impact
  • power is transferred less effectively

Summary

Tohō (刀峰) is a hand form in which the curved surface between the thumb and index finger is used as the striking surface.

It is defined by:

  • open hand
  • thumb brought out to the side
  • stable hand form
  • impact with the surface between the thumb and index finger