Overview
Although this is sometimes called a chickenfoot hand, it's more properly called kakuto. This has the same basic hand shape as the technique called eagle beak hand. However, whereas that technique uses the finger tips for striking, this uses the back of the wrist. Use with a sharp snap of the wrist to create maximum power..
Compare to: washide, teisho
Used in these katas
Unknown
Striking targets
Virtually anywhere - joints, temples, neck, sides of the jaw, ribs, testicles
Technique
Bring the tips of your fingers together. Strike (and create the bent wrist shape) by bending the forearm towards the target with a sharp snap, rather than the hand away from it. Some people say that you should ensure that the thumb is at the same level as the other finger tips as this adds additional tension to your forearm.
Strengths
A fairly powerful technique that can be delivered from awkward positions.
Doesn't require a lot of wind up to deliver power
Weaknesses
Must be delivered in an arcing motion, so no real body weight behind it
