Evolution of the Knife Hand - - Chief Instructor's Blog September 2013

In July 2012 blog, I discussed the evolution of the attack punch. August 2012, I discussed the evolution of the Cat Stance and in September 2012, I discussed the evolution of front kick. This month I will discuss the evolution of knife hand.

Beginner
As with all techniques, the beginning is focused on the mechanics. The key mechanical aspects are:
• Hips and shoulders remain square throughout the strike; back straight
• Eyes/gaze will be forward, to the horizon, throughout strike
• Striking hand thrown as a palm strike forward from shoulder towards opponent’s side of the neck
o Motion is similar to throwing a shot put
o Elbow points downward throughout the strike
• Striking hand turns over into Knife Hand position (palm upward) just before impact
• Striking hand palm upward, palm flat, fingers slightly bent; thumb tucked in; edge of hand neck height
o Elbow approximately at a 90 degree angle at impact
• Opposite hand comes back in reciprocal position at the hip (palm upward)
• Remain set in Attack Stance prior to impact
o Stance is approximately twice as wide as it is long, both knees and feet pointed forward
o Rear leg is locked
o Front knee bent approximately 35 degrees from horizontal and above the ankle
o Body weight evenly distributed on both feet

For the very beginner, there is not much power, and the focus is to ensure the stance, body alignment, motion and targeting are all correct.

Intermediate
Once the mechanics are fairly solid, speed and power are added to the technique. At this point, Green Belts and Beginning Blue Belts should:
• Shorten time between movement in stance and strike
• Focus on form, increasing speed and decreasing reaction time while maintaining mechanics
• Focus on form, adding force while maintaining mechanics
• Be able to transition from and to a knife hand quickly and smoothly.
• Throw techniques in various stances (Reverse attack stance, cat stance, horse stance, etc)
• Strike should be able to be thrown various directions (inward, outward, downward, etc)

More Advanced Blue Belts and Brown Belts should:
• Be grounded and remain grounded throughout the technique
• Have power come from hips; driven by hip through elbow; arm is natural extension of the body
• Have consistent force throughout technique
• Have minimal upper body motion to generate power
• Project proficient force with intent to go through object striking
• Be able to use the knife hand in various practical applications
• Throw strike linear from preparation position to target

Advanced
Interim Black Belts and Black Belts should be grounded all the time and start projecting more energy and utilizing less mechanical force in their techniques. In particular, advanced students should:
• Have a stance that is rooted to the ground
• Have energy that flows from ground through legs to center creating strong base
• Be able to penetrate past the physical fist itself and shatter the target
• Throw strike to slice or shatter the target
• Throw strike in any direction with equal energy (inward, outward, downward, etc)
• As an advanced knife hand technique, be able to start their preparation outside the shoulder instead of in front and maintain a linear strike to the target

The modifications and adjustments must be consciously and deliberately applied to hyung, self-defense, and sparring. This takes time and focus. In addition, this is the part of the constant relearning of the art form. This is why it takes time to master a technique – mastering the technique means: 1) You can apply it through all the aspects of the art form, not just basics, and 2) You can teach it at any level.

Regards,
Kelly

"When you are learning a new technique, practice it wholeheartedly until you truly understand it." ~ Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), founder of Shotokan Karate