How to Perform a Knife-Hand Block in Karate

Would you know how to block a punch or a kick to the middle of your body? A knife-hand block will ward off the attack while setting you up for a strong counterattack.

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Instructions

    • 1

      Face forward with one leg ahead of the other. Keep your legs about a shoulder's width apart.

    • 2

      Reach your forward arm back to your rear shoulder with your open hand almost cupping your ear. This is your blocking arm.

    • 3

      Hold your fingers together tightly with your thumb tucked into your palm.

    • 4

      Raise your opposite arm level with your chest, your hand formed into a fist.

    • 5

      Position this arm on the outside of your blocking arm.

    • 6

      Move your blocking arm slightly downward and across the front of your body.

    • 7

      Keep the elbow bent at a 90-degree angle, and twist your wrist so that the palm faces outward.

    • 8

      Meet the attacker's limb with the knife-hand edge (the fleshy part below your pinky).

    • 9

      Pull your opposite arm back against your side as you deliver your block.