Seiken
正拳
Striking surface of the fist in karate: the knuckles of the index and middle fingers. Literally “correct fist”, the basis of straight punches zuki.
Quick Facts
Word breakdown
Definition
Seiken (正拳) means “correct fist”: sei is correct, ken is fist. In karate it denotes the front surface of the clenched fist, specifically the knuckles of the index and middle fingers, which hit the target in a straight punch. When the fist is made, the thumb lies over the index and middle fingers from the outside, never inside the fist. Seiken is the basic striking surface for most straight punches zuki: choku-zuki in place, oi-zuki with a step and gyaku-zuki with the rear hand. The name of the surface often appears directly in the name of the technique, as in seiken choku-zuki. Traditional schools train this hard surface by striking the makiwara.
Relations to other terms
See also
Back of the clenched fist, literally “reversed fist”. In karate it delivers the snapping strike uraken-uchi, usually to the face or temple.
Makiwara巻き藁Okinawan striking board, literally “rolled-up straw”. Strikes are practised on a springy post with a pad, which also conditions the striking surfaces.