Get Ready, Set, and Go!

 How You've been my dear Warriors, in today's long-waited post we're finally going to explore and learn the techniques we could utilize, in non-predicted situations. I selected those techniques from different Katas; the Heian Shodan and Heian Neidan and the other katas. 

Now Let's Go:

It might surprise you how many different ways you can use your hands to attack your opponent. Different striking surfaces will have different effects. 

For example, a closed hand technique to the temple could end in a knockout. But if you don’t want to hurt your opponent, you might choose an open-handed slap instead.

Karate Open-Hand Strikes

Not all hand techniques have to be punches. There are a variety of handed martial arts techniques that are useful in various circumstances.

1. Palm Strike

One highly helpful technique is the palm strike. The basic movement is the same as a punch, only the hand is open instead of closed. The meaty section of the hand, located between the wrist and the hollow in the palm, is the striking surface. 

The fingers can be bent to touch the inside of the knuckles or completely stretched. In order to prevent hitting the fingers, make sure you extend the heel of your hand forward.

This technique is easy for trainees, since it's less likely to cause self-harm than the standard martial arts punch. It works well for unbalancing your opponent by knocking their head back.

2. Knife Hand Strike

Hi-yah! I know, you’ve been waiting for this one. The knife-hand strike or shuto strike is the classic Karate chop we all know and love. 

The hand is held open, with its muscles tense. The striking surface is the knife edge of the hand, the section between the base of the little finger and the wrist. The palm of the hand may be facing up or down, depending on the direction of the strike. 

3. Spear Hand Strike

The movement for a spear hand strike, is the same as a punch. However, the hand is held open as described for the previous two strikes. 

You have to carefully choose your target or you run the risk of breaking your fingers. Even so, the technique requires conditioning and practice for safety’s sake. 

The eyes and throat make great targets, but even just 1 inch off the target could have painful consequences for the attacker. So, this is used in emergencies only

3. Di Gamba Rai

And here is my trainee cousin doing the move perfectly! Hoorayy!! Just like you guys she achieved this by simply working on herself alone and training!

1-Start in a stable stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Keep your hands up, guarding your face and body. 

2- Move your blocking arm (typically the front arm) diagonally across your body towards the incoming strike. Use the forearm or elbow to intercept and deflect the strike away from your body. 3- As you block, shift your weight slightly to the side opposite the block to maintain balance and stability. Follow Through: After blocking, quickly.