Otoshi Uraken
Literally: dropping backfist
A backfist strike delivered downward and forward that, unlike yoko uraken, does not return after impact in kihon.
Quick Facts
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Raising the shoulders during execution, which leads to jerky movements, instead of keeping the shoulders pulled down.
About
Otoshi uraken, literally falling backfist (in English, dropping backfist), is a strike with the back of the fist delivered downward. Otoshi means falling or dropping, uraken means back or reversed fist. According to the Dutch dojo Shukenmashi, the fist starts at the same point as in yoko uraken, under the other arm on the opposite side of the body, travels up in front of the body and face, then down and forward, striking with the back of the fist. The same source classes it among the tsuki waza as a distinct technique, different from yoko uraken and from the basic uraken uchi: it differs in the arm traveling downward and forward, and in that in kihon the arm generally stays extended after the strike, while in yoko uraken it returns. According to the English Wikipedia, it is performed in the kata Heian Yondan in kosa dachi. According to the Shukenmashi dojo, it also appears in the kata Heian Sandan, performed in kiba dachi to the side. According to GKR, in the kata Kanku Sho it appears in movements 8, 13, and 27, in juji dachi after mae geri with a double hikite; unlike the kihon backfist strike, it does not return here and is aimed with the forearm near the wrist at the opponent's trapezius muscle or collarbone. A typical mistake, according to the Shukenmashi dojo, is raising the shoulders, which leads to jerky movements; the shoulders should stay pulled down. We have not been able to document who introduced the technique.