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Shotokan Technique · Strike

刻み突きKizami-zuki — Jab / lead punch

Kizami-zuki (刻み突き, “jab / snapping lead punch”) is a fast, straight punch with the lead hand — the same side as the front leg. Its value is speed, timing and distance control: it disrupts the opponent and opens the way for a heavier follow-up, classically a reverse punch.
TypeStrike (tsuki)
ArmLead — same side as front leg
TargetJōdan
EmphasisSpeed & timing
MostlyKihon & kumite

See the technique型

Toggle between the phases. These are simplified schematics of the shape of the technique — pair them with the step-by-step below and your instructor.

A diagram shows the shape, not the speed or feel. For full-motion form, watch the reference video below and train it live.

How to perform it

  1. From front stance with the lead arm forward, keep the rear hand up as a guard.
  2. Drive a small forward thrust of the same-side hip and shoulder to extend reach — not the full hip rotation of a reverse punch.
  3. Snap the lead arm straight to the target (usually the face) quickly and directly.
  4. Corkscrew the fist toward palm-down at extension, landing on the first two knuckles.
  5. Recover immediately — the jab’s job is to set up the next technique, so speed back matters.

Key points

  • It is the LEAD hand — same side as the front leg.
  • Speed and timing over power; only a small hip drive.
  • Snap back fast to set up the follow-up.

Common mistakes

Over-committing and leaning in past the front knee.
Telegraphing by drawing the lead hand back before firing.
Trying to add full hip rotation, which slows it down.
Dropping the rear guard hand while punching.

Where you’ll see it

Kizami-zuki is overwhelmingly a kihon (basics) and kumite (sparring) technique rather than a named kata movement. It is drilled in standard combinations such as kizami-zuki → gyaku-zuki.

Application (bunkai)分解

The lead-hand jab measures distance and disrupts the opponent’s guard or timing, creating the opening for a committed reverse punch — the near-universal kizami-zuki → gyaku-zuki combination.

Note: applications are interpretive and one shape carries several valid uses — explore them with a qualified instructor.

Watch a reference performance演武

To see Kizami-zuki performed at full speed, watch instructor demonstrations:

▶ Watch “Kizami-zuki” on YouTube

Related techniques

Gyaku-zuki逆突きOi-zuki追い突きKiai気合

Kizami-zuki — frequently asked questions

Is kizami-zuki the same as a boxing jab?
Functionally very similar — both are fast, straight lead-hand punches used to control distance and set up bigger shots. The karate version uses the corkscrew fist, a karate stance and snapping kime, but the tactical role is the jab.
What is the difference between kizami-zuki and gyaku-zuki?
Kizami-zuki uses the lead hand (same side as the front leg) with a small forward drive, emphasising speed; gyaku-zuki uses the rear hand with full hip rotation for power. They are commonly paired: jab then reverse punch.
Which hand does kizami-zuki?
The lead/front hand — the same side as the forward leg.
Does kizami-zuki use hip rotation like gyaku-zuki?
Only slightly — a small same-side forward hip and shoulder drive for reach, not the full rotation of a reverse punch. Too much rotation slows it down.