The Chudan Tsuki, or the middle level punch, as it is roughly translated, is a standard punch and the first strike that everyone learns in GKR Karate. This is no surprise; the punch is the first strike taught in all martial arts because it is the most simple. It is also easy to perform and can be very powerful in terms of the power behind it and the accuracy of the technique. For this technique, you begin in a normal fighting position as you would with any other technique. Draw your left fist backwards and hold it firmly against the body below the chest. The right arm should be upward, as if it’s ready to block or strike. Take your left arm and punch directly in front of you, right into the stomach or chest. Your fist should remain upwards until just before impact, when you turn it to look down. There are two reasons: first, it increases the power behind the hit, allowing for much more damage, and two, it increases the punch speed slightly.
When you extend your left arm to punch, make sure you do not fully extend the arm; locking at the elbow can cause greater damage to yourself. As you move the left arm to strike with your fist, take your right arm in the form of a fist and retract it tightly against the right side of your body just below the chest. This is so you can deliver another hit right after the first (or a series of strikes). As before, the right fist should be in the upward position so the soft part of your wrist is looking upward.
Do not confuse “tightly against the body” with the tightening of your muscles. The tension in the muscles should not take place until the real punch is thrown. Some argue that the tension of the whole muscle is better, but it should be noted that what the person is comfortable with will work the best.
The middle level punch is one of the most devastating strikes GKR Karate uses because of the speed and ability to inflict serious injuries. If done with enough force, one Chudan tsuki to the ribs will crack them (this also applies to other bones and the cheek). In a dojo, this would not be good, and that is why self-control is stressed during sparring and a non-contact policy is adopted.
