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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

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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.

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.

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[css1971]

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]

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.