Combat pit official logo black
Back to Glossary
Home
Search
Martial Arts Culture and History
Gear and Equipment
Personalities
Skill Development
Mind and Body Connection
Weapons and Traditional Tools
Martial arts map
Complete blog posts directory
Contact

Tsuki

What is Tsuki?

It’s one of the most fundamental techniques in Karate, Judo (atemi-waza), Aikido, and Kobudo (weapons arts).

🔹 Tsuki in Karate

  • Refers to punching techniques, usually delivered with a closed fist.
  • Common examples:
    • Oi-zuki (lunge punch) → stepping forward punch.
    • Gyaku-zuki (reverse punch) → punch with the rear hand while in stance.
    • Kizami-zuki (jab punch) → quick punch with the lead hand.
    • Mawashi-zuki → hook punch.
    • Age-zuki → rising punch (uppercut-like).

The idea is not just to “hit” but to thrust through the target, using body mechanics (hips, stance, and breathing).

🔹 Tsuki in Weapons Arts

  • In Kobudo (like Bo staff, spear, or sword arts), tsuki = a straight thrusting attack with the weapon.
    • Example: in Kendo, tsuki is a throat thrust with the shinai (bamboo sword).

🔹 Why It’s Important

  • Tsuki is considered a core movement — simple, direct, and powerful.
  • Trains speed, accuracy, penetration, and body alignment.
  • In self-defense, it’s often the primary striking tool.

Related Article: Shotokan Karate: Complete Guide to the World's Most Popular Martial Art Style

We must remember that regardless of our differences in rank we are all equal as human beings. You can always tell how caring and compassionate others are in their actions towards those "below" them. Of course you are going to treat your black belt professor kindly, but how do you treat the white belt taking their first class? In spite of the division in belt rank there must be no division as people.
Chris Matakas

Check out the latest blogs

See all articles

Other Glossary terms

Tsuki
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Sangka sparring is a training method in Filipino martial arts that sharpens a practitioner’s defensive skills, focusing on blocking and deflecting strikes in a live, interactive setting.
S
Tatami are traditional Japanese mats made from woven rush straw, often used in homes, temples, and other cultural spaces. Nowadays they are widely used in martial arts dojos.
T
In the context of the traditional Thai martial art Krabi Krabong, "krabong" refers to a staff or long wooden stick used as a weapon.
K
Jin Ji Du Li (金鸡独立), also known as the Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, is a traditional stance used in various Chinese martial arts.
J
The wakizashi is a traditional Japanese short sword that is often paired with the katana, forming a daishō (literally "big-little"), which is the symbol of the samurai's status and honor.
W
Non-Telegraphic Punch
N
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, music, and self-defense. It was developed by African slaves in Brazil during the 16th century as a way to disguise their training for self-defense and rebellion.
C
Escrima, also known as Arnis or Kali, is a Filipino martial art that focuses on weapon-based fighting, particularly with sticks, knives, and other bladed weapons.
E
Goju-Ryu is a style of Karate that originated in Okinawa, Japan.
G
A palm sap, also known as a palm sap glove or palm sap weapon, is a self-defense tool designed to be worn in the palm of the hand.
P
The full-throw repetition drill in judo where tori completes the throw and uke lands. Develops commitment, follow-through, and uke's ukemi under cooperative, controlled conditions before resistance is introduced in randori.
N
Seiryoku Zenyo is a fundamental principle in Judo, developed by its founder, Jigoro Kano.
S
Ashibumi is a fundamental step in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
A
The cestus (plural: cesti) is an ancient form of hand protection used by boxers in ancient Greece and Rome.
C
Freestyle Sambo is a variant of Sambo that combines elements of traditional Sambo with additional techniques and rules, often influenced by other grappling arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, and wrestling.
F
No Items Found