The karate chop is as iconic to Eastern martial arts as the boxing glove is to Western fighting sports. Most people have seen it enough on television and in the movies to have a basic idea of what's involved. Good technique with a chop goes far beyond waving your arm around like Inspector Clouseau in the "Pink Panther" movies.
Inward Chop
Step 1
Stand in a natural and comfortable fighting stance. Cock your arm next to the ear on the same side of your head. Keep your hand open with the muscles flexed.
Step 2
Bring your hand downward and inward in a diagonal arc. As much as possible, swing the arm by twisting at the hips and waist, rather than simply swinging the arm.
Step 3
Strike your target with the part of your hand between the bottom of your pinky finger and the top of your wrist.
Step 4
Retract your hand immediately, returning it to a guard position.
Outward Chop
Step 1
Stand in a natural and comfortable fighting stance. Cock your arm next to the ear on the opposite side of your head. Your hand should be open with the muscles flexed.
Step 2
Bring your hand downward and inward in a diagonal, backhand arc. As with the inward block, drive your arm by twisting your torso instead of reaching with the hand.
Step 3
Strike your target with the side of the palm between the bottom of your pinky and the top of your wrist. Immediately retract your arm into a guard position to protect against counterattack.
References
- "Bushido Martial Arts Yellow Belt Book"; Bushido Martial Arts International; 2005
- Dave Coffman, martial arts instructor, Hillsboro, Oregon
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