Open-hand vs closed-hand

[Wastelander]

Anything can be "too telegraphed," unless it's set up properly and performed efficiently. I have found that there are a great many situations in which a knife hand or forearm to the neck is an excellent choice of strike. There are also many situations in which a leopard fist to the throat is an excellent choice. There are also many in which an elbow is an excellent choice. Everything has a context in which it can be useful and effective.

[sensei8]

Well, if we're discussing attacking the neck/throat. And in that, open or closed hand...

A fist isn't too wide of a target providing that the chin isn't down. Just have to wait for the opportunity that the throat is more upward, like when the head is held in its natural posture. Then, there's room to accommodate a fist. However, size of ones fist makes a difference. If your hand is as large as The Big Show from WWE, well, the chin will have to be up first to accommodate. Some speed wouldn't hurt because a lowered chin can guard the throat.

Open hand techniques serve better opportunities to target the throat. One of the most devastating open hand techniques, imho, is a ridge hand, as opposed to a knife hand, to the side of the neck; it'll drop an opponent quick. The ridge was a favored knock out technique in the days of the PKA [Professional Karate Association] back in the late 70's and early 80's.

Other open handed techniques can be prerequisites for targeting the neck, and then some. In Shindokan, these type of techniques are known as Off Buttons: A thumb...a finger(s)!! These type of open hand techniques can create openings as well as effect the opponents breath, and can be fatal.

Thumb: Not just the end, but the knuckle of the thumb. The thumb tip to the front or either side of the windpipe will get your opponents attention. Depending on how hard I strike either of these targets, will determine if I've created an opening or a set up or an end to the attack.

Thumb Knuckle: Let's be frank, anything that contacts the throat will not be good for the receiver. Having said that, the thumb knuckle, with the thumb tip tucked into the first and second joint of the index finger, and yes, it's not really the thumb knuckle, but it's the thumb joint. For grins and giggles, thumb knuckle sounds better than thumb joint, imho. Thumb knuckle to the throat area can achieve the same results as the thumb tip and finger(s) tip(s) as well as the rabbit punch.

Strike the side of the neck, results will vary, but a result will affect your attacker, regardless. Strike just below/behind the ear, unsettling results will occur for your attacker.

You don't have to strike too hard to achieve desired results. But let me be honest, if one's not going to strike/hit/etc. hard, then why at all?!?

Finger(s): The beauty of finger strikes is one irrefutable fact...the finger is smaller than the closed fist!! Concentrating on the neck/throat area, results will mimic the thumb knuckle strike. However, I can use one finger [index] or I can use two fingers [index and middle] or four fingers [Hand posture would be the one used to knife hand strike, except, the fingers are the weapon of choice].

Middle finger: No, the use of it isn't an obscene gesture, like one might use it to indicate frustration/anger/etc.. No! Place your middle finger against the bottom of the thumb, the same area one uses to take a thumb print. Looks like the "OK" sign, but it's not with the index finger, but with the middle finger.

Now...when appropriate, flick, yes...flick, your attackers throat. I can do this at will to an unsuspected attacker; no ones suspecting this, in the first place. While the middle finger flick seems a waste, it's not. It can be the momentum changer that one needs! What do most people do if the throat is attacked? They raise one of two hand up to the throat, especially if it's done with an unresolved intent. In short, it will get their attention just long enough for you to set up your next attack. The mind is saying..."Hey, I don't like that!!" And while their mind is processing what just happened, you're all over your attacker like beans over rice.

I do realize what a well placed knife hand strike can do if struck to the side of the neck or to the back of the neck or to the throat. Experiment with the three I've explained briefly, and you just might add it to your arsenal. I'll take maybe over a sound NO anytime.

Personally, if my attacker gives me a split second, I'll take him/her to places that they've only considered in their worse nightmares. In football language...give me a yard...I'll take 100!!

Taste, and see that they're good options to consider.

[sensei8]

Anything can be "too telegraphed," unless it's set up properly and performed efficiently. I have found that there are a great many situations in which a knife hand or forearm to the neck is an excellent choice of strike. There are also many situations in which a leopard fist to the throat is an excellent choice. There are also many in which an elbow is an excellent choice. Everything has a context in which it can be useful and effective.

Solid post!!

[Nidan Melbourne]

Whenever the situation arises and that you will react appropriately.

Punching the throat takes incredible aim, timing and luck to hit because many people will avoid getting hit there.

Performing a Shuto Uke to the side of the neck is often used in unison with other techniques.

[sensei8]

Whenever the situation arises and that you will react appropriately.

Punching the throat takes incredible aim, timing and luck to hit because many people will avoid getting hit there.

Performing a Shuto Uke to the side of the neck is often used in unison with other techniques.

Solid post!!

To the bold type above...

Great point. Set ups increase the successful ratio; combo's and things like that open up different targets and/or desired targets.

[hansenator]

This may or may not be applicable but in the kali class I used to attend we were told that we don't get to have a preference. It takes too long to reposition the weapon, you have to move from whatever position you happen to be in.