Backfist Strike

The Backfist Strike in Taegeuk Sa Jang. The fist is first chambered to the waist

Fromt the waist, it goes up to the armpit

Then from the armpit outward to strike

The term Backfist Strike can refer to any strike made with the backfist. Often, however, the term is used to refer specifically to a High Backfist Strike (also called deungjumeok apchigi), which is performed as follows:

Chambering

• The non-striking arm is pointed fist-forward, palm-down straight in front of you.
• Simultaneously the striking arm is chambered with the fist under the opposite armpit, the palm of the fist facing downward.

So for example, if you were performing a backfist strike with the right fist, the right arm would be chambered under the left armpit. The left arm would be pointed forward.

The Strike

• The non-striking arm is pulled back so that the fist ends palm-up at the side of the waist.
• Simultaenously the striking arm is brought out from under the armpit in an arc that ends with the back of the knuckles striking the opponent's face.

So for example, if you were performing a backfist strike with the right fist, the right fist would be brought forward in an arc to strike the opponent's face. The left hand would be snapped back to the side of the waist.

Variation: Supported Backfist Strike

Supported Backfist Strike in Taegeuk Chil Jang

A Supported Backfist Strike is a Backfist Strike in which the elbow of the striking arm is supported by the off-hand fist. The off-hand-fist is placed under the elbow of the striking arm. The Supported Backfist Strike is seen, for instance in Taegeuk Chil Jang.

If the supporting hand is also pulling the opponent toward you, this is called a Pulling Backfist Strike.

Related Techniques

• Outward Backfist Strike
• Pulling Backfist Strike
• Augmented High Backfist Strike
• Rear Backfist Strike
• Backfist Side Strike

References

• Backfist Strike on Taekwondo Preschool