hikite

Hikite (引き手) is a term used in karate and some related martial arts to describe the pulling back of the non-striking hand to the hip or waist in coordination with a punching technique. The word hikite combines hiki 'pulling' and te 'hand.' The action is typically performed during a straight punch or reverse punch, where the punching arm extends forward while the other arm withdraws.

Mechanically, the hikite hand is usually in a closed fist and retracted to the hip with the elbow kept close to the body. The shoulders and hips rotate as the punch travels, creating a torquing effect that helps drive power into the strike. In addition to contributing power, hikite serves to maintain balance, protect the torso from counter-attacks, and help prepare the body for the next technique by resetting the stance.

Variations exist across karate styles. In many forms, the retraced arm ends up near the hip with the fist facing downward; in others, the fist aligns at the abdomen and the palm faces inward. Some styles emphasize a short, controlled retraction, while others encourage a longer extension of the hip rotation. Hikite is commonly practiced in kihon (fundamentals), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) as a core element of timing and coordination.

The term is Japanese in origin, usually translated as 'pulling hand' or 'hand that pulls back.' While widely taught in modern karate, the concept may appear under different terminology in other martial arts or older texts.