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Koko Uchi

虎口打ち

Literally: tiger's mouth strike

A strike with the thumb-index web, the tiger's mouth, delivered like gyaku zuki to the throat; reserved for advanced students, banned in sparring.

Quick Facts

Martial Arts
CategoryStrikes (Uchi/Tsuki)
DifficultyIntermediate
Targetsneck

About

Koko uchi (虎口打ち), literally tiger's mouth strike, is struck with the web between thumb and index finger. The hand resembles a hungry mouth; the name refers to big cats that suffocate prey by gripping the airway. It is performed the same way as gyaku zuki. The target is the throat and windpipe, a vital kyusho point. Due to its danger, the technique is reserved for advanced students and banned in sparring. The same hand shape can also apply a wrist lock on the opponent.

Further sources on this topic (1)
  1. Koko uchi – Self Defense Karate