It is written that when ‘Chuan Fa’ (fist way) was taught in China it was always so that different levels of understanding were transmitted to different students. That is to say a novice student would be shown a basic application for a particular technique while an intermediate student would be shown a somewhat more advanced application for the exact same technique. The most highly advanced applications were shown only to the most long- term and trusted students. There are many explanations given for this approach to teaching, some obvious given the serious nature of what was being taught. Other explanations are not so obvious, and are found to be based on the indigenous nature of the Asian culture and people themselves. Whatever the reason, this methodology followed when migrating to Okinawa where the art was originally known as “Kempo”. As a result, today you will most always find a number of explanations for a single technique.
For example; the karate fist formation of Shobayashi-ryu known as “chu ko-te” is formed with the small, ring, and middle fingers curled completely and tightly while the index finger is bent only at the middle knuckle allowing the first two segments of the finger to remain extended down towards the base of the thumb. The thumb itself is wrapped around the extended portion of the index finger like a roll of pennies.
The explanation that may be first given for the purpose of this type of fist formation may be ....”It allows for a better alignment of the first two knuckles with the wrist and forearm so there is less likelihood of the wrist bending upon impact. It also affords better alignment of the first segment below the knuckles of each of the first two fingers forming a better striking surface.”
A more advanced explanation, as explained by William Hayes Sensei, may refer to the fact that this type of fist is used to relieve pressure from P-8 (8th point on the pericardium meridian in the palm of the hand.) Something someone would learn during kyusho training. Continuous pressure on any kyusho point will ultimately lead to a weakening of ones own chi energy creating greater vulnerability to an opponent’s attack.
Beyond this still, one may at some point be shown the true nature and use of this fist formation that may reveal what I have been told O’Sensei would always say “The fist is not just for punching.”
As one continues to train, one finds the art of karate to be many layers deep. Perhaps this is the very thing that makes it so fascinating.