Here is a "crazy" idea regarding hikite and chambering the nonleading fist on the hip in the "traditional" position with the fingers facing up. We all know the reason for this is to allow the hand to rotate to the fingers down position as we extend the punch...…But, what if it's not?
What if that position's importance is not related to the arm being extended, but in its being retracted? Look at that chambered position not from the perspective of punching away from the body, but from the perspective of hikite, coming back into the body.
Grab a partner's extended left wrist (on the inside or outside) with your right hand. Now pull him/her straight back into you without twisting your hand. It can certainly pull them off balance. Now, do the same thing, grabbing tight to prevent slipping, and twist your grabbing hand to the outside as you pull them in (like in chambering.) Careful not to pull too hard! Now, joints are being attacked and exposed for further damage. This also not only breaks his balance forward, but to the side as well.
So, which is most important - twisting the hand going out to give extra effect to a punch, or twisting the hand coming back to pull the opponent off balance multi-directionally and damage his joints.
Just looking at the most basic karate move from a new angle. I wonder which usage came first.
