How to Perform a Knife Hand Strike in Karate

A knife-hand strike is a strong technique in karate. More popularly known as a 'karate chop,' the knife-hand is powerful enough to knock out an attacker.

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Instructions

    • 1

      Open your hand with your fingers extended and touching together.

    • 2

      Arch the hand backward, forcing the palm side of the knuckles forward.

    • 3

      Fold the thumb into the palm, bending the top of the thumb downward.

    • 4

      Curve the tips of your fingers in slightly while keeping the hand arched backward.

    • 5

      Move your striking hand, palm up, near the opposite-side shoulder.

    • 6

      Strike across your body, straightening your elbow as you go.

    • 7

      Twist your wrist immediately before contact, so that the palm faces down. The padded edge below the pinky is the striking surface.

    • 8

      Keep your other hand as a fist at your side. Pull back on this hand in the opposite direction of your strike to gain power.