This page provides details on the martial arts “Thumb Strike” or “Thumb Jab”. In this strike, a martial artist uses his/her thumb to target a vital point such as the eyes, neck or pressure points. For information on other punches & strikes (i.e. jab or hammer fist), please visit Black Belt Wiki’s main Punches & Strikes page.
There are a number of variations of the thumb strike. Some techniques use the “pointy” end of the thumb reinforced by the fist to target the eyes or throat. Another variation is where Karate practitioners use the middle joint of the thumb in order to strike an opponent.
Martial arts punches & strikes and all other martial arts techniques should only be practiced under the supervision of a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized.
Ninjutsu Thumb Jab
Karate Instructor Demonstrating Thumb Strikes
Taekwondo Instructor Breaking Boards With A Thumb Strike