Oi-zuki / Gyaku-Zuki

Oi-zuki is a compliment to the Choku-zuki and Kizami-zuki with foot movement. It is performed as lunge and thrust punch with the lead hand. In addition to the block techniques, Oi-zuki is one of the first techniques a student learns.

Oi-zuki is used as a defensive counter if you are being rushed. If an attacker is closing distance, stepping into Oi-zuki means they run into an immovable structure which ruins their attack, their own structure and balance.

A counterpart to Oi-zuki is the Gyaku-zuki (Reverse Punch).
Gyaku-zuki in another of the basic punches. The reverse punch is sometimes called a counter punch because the lead hand may be used to block an attack with the non-leading hand free to counter.
Gyaku-zuki is more powerful than Oi-zuki because power is generated by rotation of the hips with the thrust of the punch.

[bajuszpal]

Many thanks for the clear explanations for thwe two most iconic punches. Final, I got the message that oi tzuki is also as a defensive counter punch! May be, some partner presentation could help in this strict form. Paul, 69, retired instructor of Karate.

[ScorpionKing]

WHY don't you combine them??? After oi-zuki comes a gyaku INSTANTLY!!!