What is Ikken Hissatsu?
Posted on 23. Mar, 2009 by Jesse in Archive, History & Philosophy
Ikken Hissatsu is a Japanese term that is used quite frequently in Karate (especially Shotokan). What does it mean? The term, in itself, is actually not abstract or hard to understand – it means simply to “kill with one strike”, or “one punch kill”. The exact definition is “One Fist, Certain Death”
That’s horrible!
But important.
Now, of course we don’t want to kill people. Can you even do that with a single blow? Some people claim they actually can do a “killing blow”, and that is the “true way” of Karate. Other people sarcastically replie that no man can deliver a “killing blow” with every strike, it’s impossible!
Personally I believe the term “Ikken Hissatsu” should not be taken literally.
It is merely a philosophical statement of attitude.
I mean, the idea that you should physically be able to kill somebody with one blow is quite naive, right? Of course it can happen, but the chance is not that big. It is bigger in Japanese sword fencing, Kenjutsu, where the expression originally comes from, but a fist is simply not a blade.
Instead, you could call it a “fighting utopia” or something. The goal is to always finish (note the word finish, instead of kill) the opponent with one (the first) blow. And if that doesn’t work, use another. If you need to, use a third. But execute every blow with intent, the attitude of “this will be the final blow”. Always expect the first blow to be the last, but never rely on it.
It sounds quite cruel, but if you don’t think like this, then you are sort of betraying yourself. Being purposely weak when countering an attack – in other words not thinking “Ikken Hissatsu” – is being cruel to yourself! And why would you want to be that?
In short, every technique should be performed with full intent and conviction, or you might as well spare your opponent the trouble and hit yourself instead!
For a more Western approach, “Ikken Hissatsu” can be compared to the latin term “Carpe Diem” - to cease/catch the day. The philosophy is the almost the same. If the opponent leaves an opening, you have to take it right away, 100%. It might never come again! Cease the moment, carpe diem.
So, “Ikken Hissatsu” is not really a practical/physical expression, but, like I said, more of a philosophical statement of attitude. This applies not only to punches or strikes, but also to kicks, blocks, throws and joint locks. For example, if you block your opponents arm in the optimal way, he/she should not be able to use it again!
Does “Ikken Hissatsu” apply to areas outside of physical violence? Of course! You can apply it to everything from cooking to sleeping to cleaning your house. It’s the same mindset but a different environment.
I would like to conclude with a quote that really embodies “Ikken Hissatsu”:
When asked for a brief definition of a good Karate person, Shoshin Nagamine replied:
“Kisshu fushin”
Translation?
“Demon’s hand, saint’s heart.”
I really like that.
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10 Responses to “What is Ikken Hissatsu?”
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17. May, 2009
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i’ve heard my shihan, arashiro sensei, say this time and time again. it’s what he was told in kumite when he was competing in college. i might’ve heard it by sakumoto sensei in okinawa too. it’s been so long, too long, i want to go back!!
Hi Eugene!
So you’re still around huh? I see you went on a “commenting spree”
Okinawa is waiting for you…
Howdy, I really enjoyed this post. I have just started up a site and making rather diverse content. Would you object if I write about this article? Obviously I’ll provide you and this site due acknowledgment and place a link to this page , thank you.
No problemo!
/Jesse
Thank you for the enlightening article on ‘ikken hisatsu’. I have been struggling to recall the term for it at this time that I am trying to explain the underlying meaning for ippon in kumite. Your article has been the best at it that I found.
Moreover, I like your video archives. Although I have been a Shotokan practitioner for years I have always been impressed by the bunkai of other styles particularly Okinawan and Gojuryu.
Thanks again.
I admire Japanese culture
Nice article.
I was talking about this idea with a couple of my mates. We had come to the aggreement that the goal should not be to kill, but to destroy their will to fight. By attacking with such power and control, that should they still stand, will not want to continue. It turns their mindset from hurting you, to defending themselves.
Hi! Thanks for the article. It’s very interesting. It gives a deeper understanding of the term Ikken Hisatsu. Very useful info for my grading essay. =)Thanks again. ^_^
Let me propose another interpretation. I don’t know facts about the history of this term, but think about following:
As often and willingly stated, “Karate was the way of the pesant to defend against the Samurai occupation.” I will hold to that imagination.
Now imagine. You are a pesant in a society where your only right is to be treated like shit. Now you cross the way of a nobleman and you b*tch bowed two inches too little, so he gets the impression, your disrespect should be punished by cutting your head off -and he absolutely has the right to do so.
Now it is clear, once the sword -which in almost all societys (where swords are known) at all times all around the world is a sign of nobility- is drawn, you are as good as dead. Or do I misinterpret the fact that Iai students mostly learn to draw the sword? Well, I think the only chance for you poor pesant now is to run away and never come back. But sometimes it is not possible just yet. This limits your options dramatically. I would say there are few more than fight or die. So, again: once the sword is drawn, you can consider yourself dead.
In this case “Ikken Hissatsu” would mean “last chance (-use it well)”. Which itself is near to the way of thinking in Zen practices.