Open-hand vs closed-hand

[grenage]

Hi guys,

I've not been doing karate for long (6 months), and I've got a quick question regarding choice of strikes. I could ask my Sensei, but it's nice to get varied answers.

When would you 'knife-hand' strike someone in the neck, rather than performing a straight punch to the throat? This is obviously assuming a real-world unfortunate situation.

I like performing the knife-hand strikes during training because they feel powerful when I can perform them correctly, but no more so than a simple punch. So what are the real-world applications?

I can only assume that it allow one to inflict damage more easily to the side of the neck.

I would appreciate the insight of experience!

[sensei8]

In short, parameters within any given situation dictate the chosen weapon!!

Imho!

[JR 137]

Being the son of a mechanic, one thing my father taught me was always have the right tool for the job. The best tool in the world won't do anything for you when it doesn't fit its application.

Along with what sensei8 said, the knife hand to the neck can be more accurate than a punch, as it could fit the target better.

When starting out, punches will be the strongest techniques and feel best to you. This is because they're a more natural strike to people who haven't trained them much, if at all.

The best way to make these techniques more natural, fluid, and stronger is to practice them. Practice them in the air, against a minimally resisting partner in situation drills, and hit a bag or pad with them. Then add the complexity - working to fully resisting opponent and full force of a heavy bag. This is true of any technique, be it hands, elbows, knees, kicks, head-butts, and anything else I'm forgetting.

Power comes from technique and progressive resistance. Progressive resistance being what you're striking - partners and surfaces like pads and heavy bags.

A knife hand strike to the throat will do far more damage than a punch to it, when all things are equal, due to smaller surface area. Same principle as the following - if I stand on the instep of your foot with all my weight while wearing sneakers, it won't bother you. If I was wearing high heels, it would inflict some serious pain.

All that being said, don't hit partners full force with a knife hand strike in the neck or throat, please.

Edited August 3, 2015 by JR 137

[grenage]

Thank you for your replies, chaps.

Rest assured I stop short on such strikes to the neck; I only aim for contact on non-critical areas. That's good advice, and hopefully I'll have some space for a couple of bags when we move next year!

[DWx]

The choice of tool and technique should be down to angle, distance and available targets. So in your example:

When would you 'knife-hand' strike someone in the neck, rather than performing a straight punch to the throat?

It would come down to what's an available target (throat v neck), what position you are starting from and where are your arms already, what position do you want to finish in, and of course personal preference.

[grenage]

So basically, whatever feels appropriate at the time, based on muscle memory and experience.

[DWx]

So basically, whatever feels appropriate at the time, based on muscle memory and experience.

Yep and the only way to really know is to drill lots of scenarios over and over again until it becomes natural.

[grenage]

I'll be back in 10 years.

[RW]

Hi guys,

I've not been doing karate for long (6 months), and I've got a quick question regarding choice of strikes. I could ask my Sensei, but it's nice to get varied answers.

When would you 'knife-hand' strike someone in the neck, rather than performing a straight punch to the throat? This is obviously assuming a real-world unfortunate situation.

I like performing the knife-hand strikes during training because they feel powerful when I can perform them correctly, but no more so than a simple punch. So what are the real-world applications?

I can only assume that it allow one to inflict damage more easily to the side of the neck.

I would appreciate the insight of experience!

Isn't the closed fist too wife for hitting the neck (unless the opponent's chin is extended)?

I find knife hands a bit telegraphed, so I'd rather use a leopard strike (sort of like a half fist)

[RW]

Hi guys,

I've not been doing karate for long (6 months), and I've got a quick question regarding choice of strikes. I could ask my Sensei, but it's nice to get varied answers.

When would you 'knife-hand' strike someone in the neck, rather than performing a straight punch to the throat? This is obviously assuming a real-world unfortunate situation.

I like performing the knife-hand strikes during training because they feel powerful when I can perform them correctly, but no more so than a simple punch. So what are the real-world applications?

I can only assume that it allow one to inflict damage more easily to the side of the neck.

I would appreciate the insight of experience!

Isn't the closed fist too wife for hitting the neck (unless the opponent's chin is extended)?

I find knife hands a bit telegraphed, so I'd rather use a leopard strike (sort of like a half fist)

*re-reads.

dang, I meant too wide, not too wife. sorry