Practical Kata Bunkai: Chinte Two Finger Spear Hands (Nihon Nukite)
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Nihon Nukite·practicalkatabunkai
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/ In this video we explore some of the bunkai of the kata Chinte (“Unusual Hands”); speci…
Nihon Nukite
SubFamily二本貫手(Nihon Nukite)
TraditionalTranslation: two-finger piercing hand
Overview
Nihon Nukite is a karate open-hand strike that uses the extended index and middle fingers as the striking surface, targeting the eyes. [1] The hand forms a V-shape with the two fingers spread apart at approximately eye-width distance, while the remaining fingers curl into the palm. [1] This is the most specialized nukite variant — it exists for a single purpose: simultaneous bilateral eye attack. [1] The V-formation allows both fingers to enter both eye sockets simultaneously, making it far more effective than a single-finger eye gouge. [1] Like all nukite variants, it requires finger conditioning to prevent the fingers from buckling on impact. [1]
Nihon-NukiteJPTwo Finger Spear HandTwo Finger StrikeDouble Finger ThrustEye Fork
History & Origin
Nihon nukite is documented in traditional karate as the eye-specific variant of the nukite (spear hand) family. [1] It appears in the curricula of Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Okinawan karate styles, typically taught at advanced levels. [1] The technique also appears in Wing Chun as a similar two-finger eye jab (biu jee). [1] It is preserved primarily as a self-defense and military combatives technique, having been removed from most sport curricula due to the permanent injury it causes. [1]
Effectiveness
The single most effective eye attack in empty-hand combat — the V-formation covers both eyes simultaneously, doubling the probability of contact. [1] A successful nihon nukite ends any confrontation immediately through temporary or permanent blindness. However, it is purely a self-defense technique with zero sport application and extreme ethical considerations. [1]
Competition Record
Banned in all major sport competition due to targeting eyes, throat, or groin. Used in self-defense training and traditional kata only. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Index and middle fingers extend in a V-formation and thrust forward toward the opponent's eyes
Joints Involved — Interphalangeal joints of index and middle fingers (locked in extension), wrist (rigid), elbow (extension), shoulder (drive)
Force Vector — Linear — straight forward to eye-socket depth
Striking Surface — Tips of index and middle fingers spread to eye width (~6 cm apart)
Position & Entry
From fighting stance — Thrust nihon nukite straight to opponent's eyes from jab range
As a counter — Opponent throws a punch → parry and immediately nihon nukite to eyes
From clinch — Push opponent's head back → nihon nukite to exposed eyes
Variants
Standard nihon nukite — horizontal V-formation to both eyes simultaneously
Vertical nihon nukite — fingers stacked vertically, targeting one eye with backup
Rising nihon nukite — upward angle from below eye line
Retreating nihon nukite — delivered while stepping backward as a defensive counter
Videos
Spear-Hand Strike Applications
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Nihon Nukite·Kata For Self Defense Shotoryu Goshinjutsu
A few basic self-defense applications for the Spear-Hand strike/Nukite Please like & subscribe. Leave questions and co…
2 videos
What Instructors Say
Nihon nukite (two-finger spear hand) is a striking technique that combines precision targeting with grappling applications in self-defense contexts. Kata For Self Defense Shotoryu Goshinjutsu emphasizes the technique's use as a control and takedown tool following arm interception, where the strike to vulnerable points—the jaw edge, neck, or solar plexus—facilitates body-weight-driven ground positioning. The instructor demonstrates how stepping forward with the spear hand traps an opponent's arm while enabling shoulder isolation and subsequent arm-bar applications. Practical Kata Bunkai focuses on closer-range, "dirty" infighting applications, highlighting strikes to the jaw delivered with downward force to drop the opponent's head, enabling follow-up finger strikes to the nostrils for head control and upward driving pressure. Both instructors agree the technique targets sensitive anatomical points (jaw, neck, nostrils) and functions as a bridge between striking and grappling. Kata For Self Defense Shotoryu Goshinjutsu stresses body mechanics and leverage for takedowns, while Practical Kata Bunkai emphasizes the technique's utility against larger opponents through precise targeting and pain compliance rather than pure power, using the initial strike to create openings for controlling the head and advancing position.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Kata For Self Defense Shotoryu Goshinjutsu — Spear-Hand Strike Applications: Detailed applications of nihon nukite as an interception and control tool, including arm trapping, takedown mechanics via shoulder displacement, and arm-bar applications following initial striking to the jaw, neck, or solar plexus.
- practicalkatabunkai — Practical Kata Bunkai: Chinte Two Finger Spear Hands (Nihon Nukite): Close-range infighting applications emphasizing downward jaw strikes to lower the head, followed by nostril finger strikes for directional control and head manipulation, useful against stronger opponents through pain compliance and positional advantage rather than power.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Designed to cause permanent bilateral blindness. One of the most dangerous empty-hand techniques in martial arts.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
WKF Karate— Eye attacks strictly prohibited
WKF Kumite Rules 2026PDFUnified MMA— Eye gouging is a foul
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFIBJJF— All striking prohibited
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFKyokushin— Eye attacks prohibited {src:IKO Competition Rules}
WAKO Kickboxing— Eye attacks prohibited
WAKO Full Contact RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓NEVER practice on a live partner's face — use padded targets with marked eye positions
✓Condition fingers gradually on sand and soft surfaces — finger buckling means fractured fingers
✓The V-spread must match average eye-socket width (~6 cm)
✓Train the thrust as a jab-speed extension — slow delivery is easily evaded
Common Mistakes
!Insufficient finger conditioning — fingers buckle and fracture on impact
!V-spread too wide or narrow — misses one or both eyes
!Telegraphing the strike — the unusual hand formation is visible if presented too early
!Using against non-eye targets — the technique is useless against any hardened surface
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Parry opponent's jab → immediately thrust nihon nukite to eyes
2Grab collar with lead hand → pull opponent's face forward → nihon nukite with rear hand
3Low kick to leg → opponent bends forward → rising nihon nukite to exposed eyes
Sources & References
Primary Source
Oyama, M. This Is Karate / Essentials of Karate.
1BookOyama, M. This Is Karate / Essentials of Karate.
[1] Oyama / Funakoshi / Nakayama — hand formation and nukite variant chapters
2BookFunakoshi, G. Karate-Do Kyohan.
3BookNakayama, M. Best Karate Series.
Official karate technique names (和語/漢語)
5OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
6CitationOyama, M. This Is Karate / Essentials of Karate.
[1] Oyama / Funakoshi / Nakayama — hand formation and nukite variant chapters
7CitationFunakoshi, G. Karate-Do Kyohan.
8CitationNakayama, M. Best Karate Series.
Community
Athletics
Requires
strong finger conditioning, precise V-spread calibration, jab-speed delivery
Favours
long fingers, strong interphalangeal joints
Key muscles
finger extensors (lock), forearm flexors (rigid hand), triceps (thrust), shoulder (drive)
Notes
Nihon nukite (two-finger spear hand) targets the eyes with a V-formation of index and middle fingers. The most specialized eye attack in martial arts — the V-spread covers both eye sockets simultaneously. Purely a self-defense technique. (Oyama, This Is Karate; Nakayama, Dynamic Karate)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary self-defense application of nihon nukite?
From a self-defense standpoint, nihon nukite is primarily used as a covering hand to protect yourself from being struck when an opponent comes in close, rather than as an offensive strike itself.
Where should I target nihon nukite when defending against a striking opponent?
Target the jawline area, using the natural bridge of the jaw itself as your striking point when the opponent comes down with their strike.
How does the Nihon Nukite work?
Nihon Nukite is a karate open-hand strike that uses the extended index and middle fingers as the striking surface, targeting the eyes. The hand forms a V-shape with the two fingers spread apart at approximately eye-width distance, while the remaining fingers curl into the palm.
Where does the Nihon Nukite come from?
Nihon nukite is documented in traditional karate as the eye-specific variant of the nukite (spear hand) family. It appears in the curricula of Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Okinawan karate styles, typically taught at advanced levels.
Is the Nihon Nukite legal in competition?
WKF Karate: Eye attacks strictly prohibited {src:WKF Kumite Rules 2026|/sources/WKF: banned — Kumite-Rules-2026.pdf}; Unified MMA: Eye gouging is a foul {src:Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025|/sources/Unified: banned — MMA-Rules-August-2025.pdf}; IBJJF: All striking prohibited {src:IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024|/sources/IBJJF: banned — Rules-v6.0-June-2024.pdf}; WAKO Kickboxing: Eye attacks prohibited {src:WAKO Full Contact Rules|/sources/WAKO: banned — Full-Contact-Rules.pdf}
How dangerous is the Nihon Nukite?
Danger rating 9/10. Extreme — designed to cause permanent bilateral blindness. One of the most dangerous empty-hand techniques in martial arts.
How do I set up the Nihon Nukite?
The standard setup chain: Parry opponent's jab → immediately thrust nihon nukite to eyes → Grab collar with lead hand → pull opponent's face forward → nihon nukite with rear hand → Low kick to leg → opponent bends forward → rising nihon nukite to exposed eyes.
How do I defend against the Nihon Nukite?
Standard counters include: Head movement — any lateral shift defeats the precision requirement / Forearm parry — deflect the hand offline before contact / Sunglasses/eye protection — in real-world scenarios, eyewear provides some defense.
What are the variants of the Nihon Nukite?
Common variants: Standard nihon nukite (horizontal V-formation to both eyes simultaneously); Vertical nihon nukite (fingers stacked vertically, targeting one eye with backup); Rising nihon nukite (upward angle from below eye line); Retreating nihon nukite (delivered while stepping backward as a defensive counter).
How effective is the Nihon Nukite in competition?
Banned in all major sport competition due to targeting eyes, throat, or groin. Used in self-defense training and traditional kata only.
What are common mistakes when doing the Nihon Nukite?
Top errors to watch for: Insufficient finger conditioning — fingers buckle and fracture on impact / V-spread too wide or narrow — misses one or both eyes / Telegraphing the strike — the unusual hand formation is visible if presented too early / Using against non-eye targets — the technique is useless against any hardened surface.
What are other names for the Nihon Nukite?
The Nihon Nukite is also known as Nihon Nukite, Nihon-Nukite, Two Finger Spear Hand, Two Finger Strike, Double Finger Thrust.