Category: Attacks/Kogeki-Waza

The literal meaning of ryōte 両手 is “both hands,” meaning two hands as a pair. In martial arts, ryōte refers to using both hands together in a coordinated, paired, or equal manner. It implies symmetry, balance, or equal engagement of…

Morote 諸手 means “both hands,” “all hands,” or “reinforced hands,” with both hands applied to one point. Unlike ryōte (両手), which simply means “both hands together,” morote implies reinforcement, strength, and doubling power. Two hands reinforce one thing: one wrist,…

Tento Uchi 天頭打ち is an uncommon term used in koryu styles to mean a strike to the top of the head. A downward strike targeting the very top of the opponent’s head (the crown), which is a structurally vulnerable point…

Empty-hand strikes (無手打撃 mude dakyoku / 打撃 dageki) are offensive techniques delivered without weapons, using parts of the body as the striking surface. They’re fundamental across karate, aikidō, jūjutsu, kung fu, and other unarmed systems. What counts as an empty-hand…

Empi-uchi (肘打ち) is a standard Japanese martial-arts term meaning elbow strike. You may find it in karate, jujutsu, judo (kata only), and kobudo. Empi strikes include: horizontal elbow; vertical elbow; upward elbow; backward elbow; spinning elbow; dropping elbow. You can…