How to Karate Chop

The karate chop is one of the most famous moves in karate and is not meant to be done by someone who doesn't possess a great deal of concentration and strength. Novices can hurt themselves while performing a karate chop, so take the proper precautions to perform this move.

Things You'll Need

  • Pile of wooden boards
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice your concentration skills. If you cannot concentrate and dedicate your full attention and focus to something, you will not be successful at the karate chop. Those who are able to chop their hands through wood possess an immense amount of focus and the ability to force something to happen.

    • 2

      Be determined to get your hand to go through the pile of wood pieces. Look at the stack of wood in front of you and focus on how you are going to slice your hand right through that stack. Imagining the process is the most important step in a successful karate chop.

    • 3

      Stay as calm as you possibly can. Being calm is critical to perform the karate chop successfully. If you are excited or nervous, you lose your focus.

    • 4

      Put your hand in the air with your fingers bent slightly. When you are completely focused and have reached the point in your mind where you imagine your hand moving through the pieces of wood, slam your hand down toward the center of the wood pile as hard as you can.

    • 5

      Take inventory of how you feel. If your hand is in great pain, seek medical treatment immediately. If you did not put your hand through the boards and it doesn't hurt, work on the strength in your arm and improve your focus.