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Basic But Devastating Techniques - The Knife Hand Strike

Author: Joshua Peacock
Date Posted: April 24, 2009

Also known as a "sword hand," the knife hand strike is a very versatile and useful technique for self defense. It is quick, has many variants, can be used from a variety of positions, and can become a block or parry at any time. It is found in almost all martial arts and it an excellent tool. All martial artists should have this technique in their arsenal. And if not, they should seriously consider adding it.

Correct Execution and Usage

There are two basic forms of this technique: palm facing down, and palm facing up. There is also a vertical chopping motion made popular through Karate brick or board breaks.

For the palm facing down version, start with your arm held horizontally across your chest. Now, at your elbow, rotate it out and around onto the target. Focus the impact on the knife of your hand, which is the area where the wrist connects to the side opposite of the thumb (or also could also be described as the bottom of the side of the hand opposite the thumb). This can also be done more as a thrust. Turn the knife of your hand outward, pointing your fingers more inwards, and thrust it out more like a punch then swinging it around like a door.

The palm facing up method is a little bit different. Start with your back hand in you on guard stance. Now, snap your arm inward, your hand rotating around so that the palm faces up. The impact is focused on the same area as with the palm down style.

Tips and Usage

The knife hand strike is best used for striking weak areas like the neck and temple, but can be used to strike pretty much anywhere, like a punch. Snapping it and using your whole body to add power is how to get the most out of it. If someone strikes, you can use the same motions to turn this technique into a block.

Learn and practice this technique and I promise you won't be disappointed!

About The Author

Joshua started his martial journey in the art of Taekwondo, and holds a rank of second degree black belt. He has since developed a love for Chinese martial arts and currently studies Wing Chun Kung fu. He has dabbled in many styles, including: Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu Karate, Five Animal Kung fu, Capoeira, Taiji quan, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, American Kenpo and Eskrima/Arnis. Joshua also loves to write, and is inspired by his strong Christian Faith. He has been studying martial arts for ten years.

to find out more about the author or to get more tips of self defense and the martial arts, visit: http://www.joshuapeacock.web.officelive.com

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of Karate articles.

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