How to Do Shuto Mawashi Uke in Karate

The application of the shuto mawashi uke, or knife-hand roundhouse block, isn't easy to understand at first glance. What it does is catch a low kick and lift the leg high to keep your opponent unbalanced while you counterattack to the collarbone. The move leaves your opponent flat on his back, wondering what happened.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin in a cat stance with the left foot forward.

2. Hold your left forearm vertically with your palm flat and fingers together and pointing up. Your hand should be in front of your face to protect it. Hold your right forearm vertically across your body with the right palm up and flat just behind your left elbow.

3. Move both hands down in front of your groin with the left hand on top of the right and the palm facing toward you. This movement deflects a kick to your groin.

4. Swing your arms in a circular motion behind your right leg and then up behind your head. This lifts your opponent's leg until his foot is even with your head and he is struggling to keep from falling backward.

5. Continue the motion, moving your hands over the top of your head and in front of your face until you return to the starting position. This is the strike to your opponent's collarbone and should end the fight.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice the shuto mawashi uke on both sides so you are prepared to defend against a kick with either leg.
• Never try to meet the force of an opponent's kick with an equal amount of force from your hand or arm or you will be injured. Instead, use just enough force to deflect the kick, keeping your fingers together to protect them.

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