The Knifehand Strike, or shuto uchi, is an easy and devastating strike in karate. This strike is done in a backhand fashion traveling across the body and out to the side.
- When using both hands, cross them in front of the body in an “X” with the striking hand placed close to the body. The hikite, or pulling hand, is placed on the outside.
- If you are not using a hikite, place the hand across the body by the opposite shoulder.
- Form the hand with all fingers extended and joined.
- The thumb is bent on the side of the hand and not across the palm.
- The striking surface is the muscular outside edge of the hand between the little finger and the wrist.
- Turn the hand at the last second and snap the striking surface into the target at the end of the extension of the arm.
- Keep a small bend in the elbow at full extension to help protect it from injury.