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How to Perform a Knife-Hand Block in Karate

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(7 Ratings)

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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Martial Arts Supplies
  • Martial Arts Uniforms
  • Martial Arts Videos
  1. Step 1

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

  2. Step 2

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

  3. Step 3

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

  4. Step 4

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

  5. Step 5

    Position this arm on the outside of your blocking arm.

  6. Step 6

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

  7. Step 7

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

  8. Step 8

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

  9. Step 9

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

Tips & Warnings
  • Simultaneously pulling your arms in opposite directions as you deliver the block will increase the power of the block.
  • Keep your fingers together and slightly curved, with your thumb tucked into your palm. This strengthens your striking surface, while protecting your hand from injury.
  • Practicing martial arts is a physically demanding activity. Consult your physician for advice on whether or not you should participate in martial arts.

Comments  

css1971 said

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on 8/26/2007 Oh. And I forgot. Never, *ever* try to block a real kick with your arm unless you want it broken.

css1971 said

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on 8/26/2007 Yeah. Doesn't work as described... It's far far too slow. It takes about 0.1 seconds to throw a punch. The "block" described takes far far longer than that. It can't work.

What's really happening in a shuto-uke... Knife hand block.

The movement of the hand up to the ear (step 2) is the block or parry. You notice how much sooner in the movement that is?

Step 4/5, is a grab/trap of the opponent's attacking/grabbing limb, and steps 6/7/8 are in fact a strike to the opponent's neck.

The push/pull motion in step 9 pulls the opponent into the striking knife hand.

THAT is karate.

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