Introduction to Kihon Ippon #3 Jodan

Kihon Ippon #3 addresses defense against a jodan (face-level) punch attack. The instruction covers three progressive perspectives: solo offensive form, solo defensive form, and partner application. This structured approach builds fundamental timing, distance, and angular awareness.

Offensive Jodan Punch Setup

The attacker steps forward with the right foot while the left hand protects the neck and the right fist chambers at the body's centerline. The stance maintains slightly bent knees before executing a straight punch to the opponent's face and returning to guard position.

Defensive Block Mechanics

The defender performs a downward block while stepping backward, positioning the left hand slightly off-center at approximately the one o'clock position relative to the body's midline. This hand placement determines the directional trajectory of the footwork and subsequent counterattack.

Footwork and Directional Awareness

The defender's left foot slides parallel to the right arm's position, with the right foot following in synchronized movement. The outside rising block executes off to the side rather than directly in front, creating proper defensive angles and setting up the counterattack sequence.

Side Snap Kick and Elbow Strike Combination

Following the successful block, the defender executes a side snap kick while maintaining a supinated (palm-up) grip position. The technique transitions into an elbow strike while landing in kibadachi stance with even 50-50 weight distribution and feet parallel to one another.

Power Generation Through Rotation

In Shotokan karate, eliminating unnecessary movement is essential; however, the final rotational movement before the elbow strike is purposeful. This split-second rotation maximizes power and velocity by leveraging additional torque, distinguishing efficient technique from excessive motion.

Partner Training at Distance

Partners begin beyond optimal fighting distance to challenge distance management and timing accuracy. The attacker announces the technique before executing, allowing the defender to respond with proper block, kick, and counter-strike sequencing while maintaining control and safety.

Positional Vulnerability and Recovery

Landing the elbow strike places the defender's rear foot in a potentially vulnerable position for opponent counterattacks. To maintain proper form, the defender steps over the opponent's body and returns to neutral stance, reinforcing correct etiquette and safe positioning.

Angle and Directional Positioning

The defender moves off the attack line toward the seven o'clock or eight o'clock position relative to their twelve o'clock facing direction. This diagonal displacement combined with proper footwork timing prevents direct confrontation while executing effective counterattacks.

Application Principles and Progression

Kihon Ippon develops precision in aiming, speed, distance management, timing, and body mechanics necessary for sparring and kumite. Practicing solo with imagined opponents ensures proper foot placement and stance transitions, establishing habits that translate seamlessly to partner work.

Shotokan Karate - Kihon Ippon #3 Jodan (Face Punch) tutorial by Paul Gale Network

Paul Gale Network

Nukite Jodan

2 min read·10 key moments·PT10M59S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Kihon Ippon #3 Jodan
•Offensive Jodan Punch Setup
•Defensive Block Mechanics
•Footwork and Directional Awareness

http://www.PaulGaleNetwork.com Here is the sequence for Kihon Ippon #3 against Jodan (Stepping Forward Face Punch). The offense is the same as before, but the defense is considerably different...particularly with the footwork and counterattack/return. I hope this video was useful to you and if so, a like, comment, subscribe, share, and notification bell hit, go a long way in helping out the channel. Thank you.

Related Techniques

Ippon Nukite Kakuto Uchi Koken Uchi Kumade Uchi Nihon Nukite

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about nukite jodan?

This video covers introduction to kihon ippon #3 jodan, offensive jodan punch setup, defensive block mechanics. It provides detailed instruction from Paul Gale Network.

How long does it take to learn nukite jodan?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.