Koken Uchi Meaning in Karate

Koken Uchi is a specialized karate strike that utilizes the top of the bent wrist as a weapon. The practitioner bends the hand sharply downward to expose the bony joint at the top of the wrist. This technique is often used to strike upward under the chin or into the ribs of an opponent. It is a very effective tool for fighting in extremely tight spaces where fingers might get injured. The wrist must remain locked and firm to prevent any strain or injury during the moment of contact. A student strikes upward with a bent wrist during a traditional kata performance in the training hall. Developing flexibility in the forearm muscles allows for a sharper angle and a more effective striking surface. This move can also function as a quick defensive block to redirect a high reaching punch.