(Full speed video)

Knife Hand Block

Japanese Term:

Shuto Uke (SHOO-TOE-OO-KAY)

Instructions:

The transition begins with the feet turning to the opposite forty-five and the previous striking hand moving to beneath the opposite armpit, palm down. The other hand extends out, palm up, just below hip level, and then rises in a circular motion around to the opposite side of the head. The hand should be positioned next to the cheek, palm turned in. Then, it moves forward, rotating the palm toward the front, at neck level. The opposite hand moves from the armpit and slides across the chest, stopping in front of the solar plexus, palm up. Center this hand with the middle of the palm directly over the solar plexus. Remember to make the movement smooth; it should snap or tense at the end.

The knife hand block is a more challenging technique to perform, so watch the tutorial carefully. Repetition is key. Again, watch for any differences between what you are doing and the videos. Close observation is critical to the correctness of your technique.