The karate chop is perhaps the most iconic hand strike of Asian martial arts. This is probably due to the fact that it is so different from the closed-hand punching techniques of most Western fighting styles. Just like there are many kinds of punches --- examples include jab, hook and uppercut --- there are different kinds of chops.
Kinds of Karate Chop
There are two basic types of the karate chop: inward and outward. For an inward chop, the karateka swings his arm in a forehand motion. For an outward chop, the arm swings in a backhand. You may also hear the terms "sword hand," "knife hand," or "shuto." These are all terms for the same attack. In all cases, the basic karate chop involves striking a vulnerable point with the edge of an open hand.
Striking Surface
A karate chop strikes the opponent using the edge of the hand on the pinky side. Specifically, you will strike with the meaty part of the hand next to the palm. Do not strike with the side of the fingers. This will break your fingers. Appropriate targets for a karate chop are the softer areas of the body. The side and front of the neck, floating ribs and muscles of the arms are good examples.
Technique
When throwing a karate chop, it's best to consider the arm an attachment to the body. Begin a karate chop by rotating your body at the hips. This will turn the shoulders and push your arm forward with the power and weight of your body behind it. Swing your arm from the shoulder to position your hand, and bend at the elbow only for extra precision. This form will give your attack significantly more power and effectiveness than if you swung only your arm.
Sample Technique
"Defanging the Snake" is a karate chop technique used to make an attacker unable to continue attacking without killing him. As the attacker reaches for you with a punch or grab, turn sideways and deliver an inward karate chop to his biceps. Use the same hand to chop with that he does to reach with --- for example, use your right hand to attack his right biceps. It's not uncommon for this technique to numb and disable an opponent's arm for several minutes. Advanced practitioners use this same technique against armed opponents.
References
- "Bushido Martial Arts Yellow Belt Manual"; Jason Brick; 2005
- Dave Coffman; Martial Arts Instructor; Beaverton, OR
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