Tohō (刀峰)

Introduction

Tohō (刀峰) is a hand form in which the curved area between the thumb and index finger forms the striking surface.

The hand remains open and is used in directed thrusts.

Definition

Tohō (刀峰)
A striking surface in which contact is made with the curved area between the thumb and index finger.

Terminology

Japanese: 刀峰
Romaji: tohō
English: sword-peak hand / thumb-index web

Structure / Form

Starting position

• the hand is held open
• the hand remains straight
• in the basic form, the palm faces downward

Thumb

• the thumb extends outward to the side
• it remains clearly separated from the rest of the hand

Fingers

• the fingers point forward
• the hand remains unified and stable

Wrist

• the wrist stays stable
• hand and forearm remain aligned

Striking surface

Primary contact

• curved area between thumb and index finger

Secondary contact to avoid

• thumb
• fingers
• palm

Basic principles

Structure

The hand remains open and stable so the area between thumb and index finger is clearly presented as the striking surface.

Body connection

Force is transferred through the body to the striking surface.

English:
ground → legs → hips → trunk → shoulder → arm → striking surface

Japanese / romaji:
jimen (地面) → ashi (足) → koshi (腰) → dōtai (胴体) → kata (肩) → ude (腕) → datotsu-bu (打突部)

Kime (決め)

Force is concentrated at impact.

Execution

Movement

• the technique begins without unnecessary tension
• movement is driven by coordinated body action
• the hand follows a clear thrusting line toward the target

Impact

• contact is made with the area between thumb and index finger
• the thrust enters with controlled direction

Recovery

• the hand retracts immediately after impact

Use

Tohō is used in directed thrusts, especially scissor-type thrusts toward the neck.

Training

Tohō is trained through:

• controlled repetitions
• precision practice

Focus on:

• correct hand form
• correct striking surface
• stable thumb position
• clear thrust direction

Common errors

Incorrect thumb position

• the hand form breaks
• the striking surface becomes unclear

Incorrect striking surface

• contact occurs with the thumb, fingers or palm
• the technique loses precision

Unstable structure

• the hand collapses at impact
• force transfer is reduced

Summary

Tohō (刀峰) uses the curved area between the thumb and index finger as the striking surface.

It is defined by:

• open hand
• thumb extended to the side
• stable hand form
• impact with the area between thumb and index finger