手刀打ちShutō-uchi — Knife-hand strike

Shutō-uchi (手刀打ち, “knife-hand strike”) whips the little-finger edge of the open hand into the neck, temple or jaw — the formal version of the “karate chop.” Note: shutō-uchi is a strike, distinct from shutō-uke, the knife-hand block.

TypeStrike (uchi)

WeaponLittle-finger edge

Not to be confusedWith shutō-uke (block)

DirectionsSoto / uchi mawashi

A.k.a.Karate chop

See the technique型

Toggle between the phases. These are simplified schematics of the shape of the technique — pair them with the step-by-step below and your instructor.

A diagram shows the shape, not the speed or feel. For full-motion form, watch the reference video below and train it live.

How to perform it

Form the knife-hand: fingers pressed together and straight, thumb bent and tucked tightly against the palm; tension the outer edge.
Chamber the striking hand up and back, commonly past the opposite ear; pull the other hand to hikite.
Rotate the hips to drive the strike; the elbow leads, then the hand whips along an arc to the target.
Snap so the little-finger edge lands, wrist firm and fingers locked — not the fingertips or wrist.
Focus with kime on the neck, temple or collarbone; recover to guard.

Key points

Strike with the little-finger edge, fingers tight and thumb tucked.
Hip rotation and elbow snap, not an arm-only swing.
It strikes THROUGH the target — do not perform it like a block.

Common mistakes

Splayed fingers or a loose thumb, so the hand collapses on impact.

Hitting with the fingertips or the wrist bone.

An arm-only swing with no hip drive.

Confusing the trajectory with shutō-uke and stopping short like a block.

Where you’ll see it

Shutō-uchi appears across the Shotokan kata syllabus, including:

Heian Yondan Bassai Dai Kankū Dai

Application (bunkai)分解

A whipping strike to the vulnerable side or back of the neck — in Heian Yondan you grab and pull with one hand while the knife-hand strikes the neck or jaw with the other.

Note: applications are interpretive and one shape carries several valid uses — explore them with a qualified instructor.

Watch a reference performance演武

To see Shutō-uchi performed at full speed, watch instructor demonstrations:

▶ Watch “Shutō-uchi” on YouTube

Related techniques

Shutō-uke手刀受け Haitō-uchi背刀打ち Tettsui-uchi鉄槌打ち

Shutō-uchi — frequently asked questions

What is the difference between shutō-uchi and shutō-uke?

Both use the same knife-hand shape, but shutō-uchi (uchi = strike) is an attack — you strike an opponent with the edge of the hand. Shutō-uke (uke = block) is a defensive block, usually in back stance. Same weapon, opposite intent.

Is shutō-uchi the same as a karate chop?

Essentially yes — the pop-culture “karate chop” is a knife-hand strike; shutō-uchi is its formal Shotokan version, with a specific hand shape and hip-driven mechanics.

What targets does shutō-uchi hit?

Commonly the side or back of the neck, the temple, the jaw line and the collarbone.

Which kata use the knife-hand strike?

Heian Yondan (a clear grab-and-strike to the neck), plus knife-hand strikes in Bassai Dai and Kankū Dai. Note the repeated knife-hand moves ending the Heian kata are blocks, not strikes.