Originally Posted by
Adam Waugh
Hey,
In my system (GoJu Ryu) we use the haito - in basics and sparring, not in kata. You hit more with the wrist and base of the thumb than the thumb itself (at least in our system) and the target is the neck or ribs...I find it useful in sparring because it draws the hands up and to the side. I dunno, that's my 2 cents.
I've seen the strike made with the ridge of the hand rather than with the wrist. Remember to protect the thumb by tucking it way under the palm of the hand.
In sparring, haitos can be very tricky to block. They start out palm up, looking like a low linear punch and end up like a round-house to the temple or jaw. The power (more like a snap) comes from timing the rotation of the wrist at the moment of impact.
Greg Dow
Self Proclained Grand Master for Life - S.P.C.A.A.A.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Adolescents Addicited to Anime