Shuto Knifehand

Shuto Knife strike. Pronounced (shoe-toe) is an advanced karate strike using the open knifehand.

The Shuto uses the knife part of the hand which is the portion of the hand from the little pinkie finger, down the side of the hand or palm and terminating at the ulna bone on the outside of the wrist. The technique is open handed and care should be taken to keep the little pinkie finger nuzzled up just behind the rest of the fingers to prevent catching the pinkie while striking which can be very painful.

The Shuto Knife hand strike can be used in many ways and directions, but in many traditional karate styles the motion is either inside shuto or outside shuto.

Inside Shuto starts with the open hand at the opposite shoulder, extend the arm during the motion from the shoulder outwards towards your opponent, using the knife hand (pinkie finger side) to strike.

Outside Shuto starts with the open hand at the side of the head similar to a military salute with the elbow pointing outwards. From the side of the head, the arm is sent out around on the outside in a circular motion throwing the arm and hand into a knife hand strike on the outside of the opponent.

Target areas for Shuto Knife strikes should be for soft fleshy areas of the body to prevent damage to the hand. Concentrate on learning the correct technique and position of the hand before applying power to this strike.