Karate Jab-Reverse Punch Combination (Kizami-Gyaku)
Quick Information
Category
Combat Sports
Difficulty
Beginner
Equipment
Hand Wraps, Boxing Gloves, Focus Mitts
Primary muscle group
Deltoids, Obliques, Gluteals
Secondary muscle groups
Pectoralis Major, Triceps Brachii, Quadriceps, Gastrocnemius
Movement pattern
Striking Combination
Training goal
Skill Acquisition
Sport
Boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, Kickboxing
Overview
Purpose. Use the lead-hand punch to occupy the opponent and open the line for the more powerful reverse punch.
How it fits the system. The foundation kumite combination in the karate material of the Combat Sports section. Related work in the library: Karate Reverse Punch and Boxing 1-2 Combination.
Primary muscles
Deltoids, Obliques, Gluteals
Secondary muscles
Pectoralis Major, Triceps Brachii, Quadriceps, Gastrocnemius
Movement pattern
Striking Combination
Equipment
Hand Wraps, Boxing Gloves, Focus Mitts
Difficulty
Beginner
How to Perform
- From kumite stance, snap the lead-hand punch out and back along the shortest line.
- As it retracts, rotate the hips and drive the reverse punch to the same or a lower target.
- Keep the rear foot pressed into the floor throughout the rotation.
- Withdraw both hands and reset the stance or step off the line.
Coaching Cues
- “Snap out, snap back, then turn the hips.”
- “Second punch is where the power is.”
- “Move off the line after the second punch.”
Common Mistakes
- Leaving the lead hand extended, which blocks the line for the reverse punch.
- Punching with the arms while the hips stay static.
Progressions & Regressions
Progressions
Add a step-in, then add a kick to finish, then work it in partner kumite.
Regressions
Practise the two punches separately, then join them at slow tempo.
When to Use It
When to use
Pad rounds, bag rounds and shadow rounds once the individual strikes are competent.
When not to use
Before the component strikes can be thrown correctly in isolation.
Programming
3–6 rounds of 2–3 minutes, 8–15 repetitions of the combination per round.
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