Shikan-kenShikan-ken (指環拳) is a fist formation used in several Japanese martial arts traditions that uses the four finger knuckles folded over. More (指環拳) is a fist formation used in several Japanese martial arts traditions, especially in schools connected to the Bujinkan, Genbukan, and related lineages. Most commonly, it refers to the four-knuckle fist.
The fist is formed normally, but emphasis is placed on striking with the four front knuckles half folded together rather than just the index and middle knuckles. It is commonly used for thrusting punches (tsuki); short-range body strikes; attacking soft targets; and armored or old-style striking mechanics. A typical target for this punch is the face or soft tissue areas. If uke is wearing armor (yoroi), this hand shape fits neatly into the space between the face and the inside of the helmet. When executing this strike, keep the fist relaxed until the last moment, when you push the knuckles forward into the target.
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Note
Although shikan ken literally translates to “ringed-finger fist” or “encircling-finger fist,” in many ninpo/koryū contexts, “shikan” is interpreted as “four-knuckle fist.”
