Tsuki Strike (突)

Tsuki targets the tsuki-dare (throat protector). It is permitted in shiai for senior divisions but demands exceptional control — tsuki is taught only when sensei authorise it. The shinai tip thrusts straight along the centre line with both hands aligned.

Tsuki is not a poke with the right hand alone; the whole body commits forward on a short fumikomi while the kensaki travels the shortest line. In keiko, use tsuki with thick tsuki-dare and explicit partner consent. Stop immediately if balance is lost.

• Ki-ken-tai-ichi: kiai, furi, and fumikomi arrive together
• Left hand leads tenouchi; right hand supports without squeezing
• Follow-through with sae — sharp, not wild

Sensei often return to the same points, because a small habit shows more clearly when the pace rises. With their permission, a side view of uchikomi can show the difference between what one feels and what the shinai does. The sensei is the person to ask.

• Upward jab injuring the neck
• Tsuki without verbal agreement in keiko
• No zanshin after successful tsuki

Progress from suburi and kirikaeshi into static uchikomi, then moving uchikomi and kakari-geiko. Pair each drill with a clear kiai and one-step zanshin. Return to the Waza Encyclopedia to see how this strike fits shikake-waza and oji-waza families.

• Tsuki-dare only — static tsuki with full stop
• Supervised oji-tsuki against committed men
• Never drill tsuki in unsupervised jigeiko for beginners

Tsuki meets the throat with the kensen on a straight line. The left hand pushes, the right hand guides, and a short fumikomi arrives with the thrust; then recover to chudan. It can appear against jodan, or when the opponent steps back and the throat opens. Beginners do not use it in free keiko. An upward jab can injure the neck. Practise only when your sensei sets the drill, with a proper tsuki-dare and a partner who has agreed.