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Shotokan Technique · Strike

猿臂打ちEmpi-uchi — Elbow strike

Empi-uchi (猿臂打ち, elbow strike — also called hiji-ate) drives the point of the elbow into a close-range target with the whole bodyweight behind it. It comes in several directions: front (mae), side (yoko), back (ushiro), rising (age/tate) and downward (otoshi). Note that the elbow strike empi is a different word from the Empi kata, despite the identical spelling.
TypeStrike (uchi)
WeaponPoint of the elbow
RangeClose
DirectionsFront/side/back/rising/down
Also calledHiji-ate

See the technique型

Toggle between the phases. These are simplified schematics of the shape of the technique — pair them with the step-by-step below and your instructor.

A diagram shows the shape, not the speed or feel. For full-motion form, watch the reference video below and train it live.

How to perform it

  1. Fold the striking arm fully, fist tight against your own chest, elbow pointing at the target.
  2. Drive off the legs and rotate the hips sharply in the direction of the strike.
  3. Deliver the elbow point into the target on a short line — forward for mae-empi, sideways for yoko-empi, upward for age-empi, downward for otoshi-empi.
  4. Pull the opposite hand to the hip (hikite) to sharpen the hip rotation.
  5. Keep the shoulder down (do not shrug) and snap back to guard.

Key points

  • The striking point is the elbow, so keep the arm fully folded.
  • Power comes from hips and bodyweight, not the arm — it is a short-range technique.
  • Keep the shoulder down; use hikite.

Common mistakes

Striking with the forearm or fist because the arm is not folded tightly.
Arming the strike from the shoulder instead of driving with the body.
Shrugging the shoulder, which telegraphs and weakens structure.
Being at the wrong (too long) distance for a close-range weapon.

Where you’ll see it

Empi-uchi appears across the Shotokan kata syllabus, including:

Heian YondanBassai DaiEmpi

Application (bunkai)分解

At grappling range the elbow is a dense, hard weapon that is hard to see coming — into the jaw, temple, ribs or collarbone — and it is safe for your own hand, which is why kata place elbows exactly where an opponent has closed the distance.

Note: applications are interpretive and one shape carries several valid uses — explore them with a qualified instructor.

Watch a reference performance演武

To see Empi-uchi performed at full speed, watch instructor demonstrations:

▶ Watch “Empi-uchi” on YouTube

Related techniques

Oi-zuki追い突きGyaku-zuki逆突きMae-geri前蹴り

Empi-uchi — frequently asked questions

What is the difference between empi and hiji?
None in meaning — both mean “elbow.” Empi (or enpi) is the Sino-Japanese reading (猿臂); hiji (肘) is the native Japanese word. Empi-uchi and hiji-ate are the same technique.
Is empi-uchi the same as the Empi kata?
No. The kata Empi (燕飛) means “flying swallow” and is named for its rising and dropping motion; the elbow strike empi (猿臂) is a coincidental spelling match.
What are the types of elbow strike in karate?
Front (mae-empi), side (yoko-empi), back (ushiro-empi), rising or vertical (age or tate-empi), downward (otoshi-empi) and roundhouse (mawashi-empi).
Why are elbow strikes effective?
The elbow is a hard, dense surface delivering bodyweight-driven force at close range to vulnerable targets — and it is safe for the striker’s hand, unlike a punch.