Position of fist in upward elbow strike

[maris]

When doing the upward elbow strike does your fist end palm facing inwards towards ear or palm facing top of shoulder?

I usually end the strike with the palm of the fist facing inward towards the ear, but I was recfently corrected by a quite high ranking instructor of my organization, he said that my fist palm shoud be facing downwards to the top of my shoulder, sadly without giving a reason why.

I've looked up some books I have about this including Nakayama's dynamic karate but haven't foud anything conclusive (the pictures are unclear and nothing on this particular issue.

Does anyone know what difference it makes with either position. From what i feel doing the strike, the palm inwards seems to give me more range of movement upwards and seems more loose than the palm-down.

Which is better?

[miffersy]

For Age-Empi the middle knuckles of the striking hand should almost touch the respective shoulder.

[andym]

I don't think one is better than the other. Having just sat here at my desk trying it and getting some funny looks my fist faces inwards towards the ear and I've never been corrected.

[AngelaG]

I'd have my palm facing into my ear, or I can't move as fast and high. The other way looks weird.... even weirder doing it in the office trying to look like I'm rubbing my head ;D

[andym]

angelag said:

even weirder doing it in the office trying to look like I'm rubbing my head ;D

I don't care, it's my last day! ;D

[AngelaG]

Well I took a half day, so they can all gossip about how weird I am now

[jack]

I have to say that I was always taught that the palm faces the ear (like you answer a phone) and so that is what I do and it feels right to me. But ...... Miffersy sounds very convincing with his answer and states it factually, so now I doubt myself.

[nkudahc]

i've always been taught palm to ear too

[Andy]

Not a Karate answer, but I thought it might be interesting.

In Muay Thai, it's taught so that the edge of the thumb glides over the scalp, kind of like making a 'shark' sign on your head.

This allows more of a 'follow through', and guards the cheek bone against a retaliatory elbow.

[random]

I have been taught both ways at different time, is the hand position specific to different kata?

[AngelaG]

random said:

I have been taught both ways at different time, is the hand position specific to different kata?

Possible, but then I think the question would be is it actually an elbow strike, or is it something like a strangle!?!

[Aefibird]

jack said:

I have to say that I was always taught that the palm faces the ear (like you answer a phone) and so that is what I do and it feels right to me.

Same here - that way feels more 'natural' to me too, although I've been on karate courses where people have used both ways (and I've seen a couple of people perform the technique with open hand too). I suppose it's different for different styles. I find that I have a better range of movement with my palm facing my ear, though.

[dickclark]

I have been taught two way, bottom up, and bottom to the ear. I feel that bottom up 'feels' better, and as close to shoulder as can be. This seems to tighten up the arm. Does it matter. I think so, meaning I do not have any hard proof one way or the other.

[miffersy]

For Age-Empi the middle knuckles of the striking hand should almost touch the respective shoulder.



Hi,
With regards to the above post of mine I feel that doing the Age-Empi this way I get better Hip rotation, hence generating more power in to the actual strike.

My 0.02p

[dickclark]

angelag said:

random said:

I have been taught both ways at different time, is the hand position specific to different kata?

Possible, but then I think the question would be is it actually an elbow strike, or is it something like a strangle!?!

What the Hey, can you elaborate on the strangle?