knifehand

Edge-of-palm blow

A knifehand is a striking technique in martial arts where the hand is held flat and rigid with fingers extended, using the edge of the palm as a weapon: He delivered a knifehand to the attacker's neck.

The term also appears in military contexts for a rigid hand gesture used to emphasize points or indicate direction, associated with drill sergeants and authoritative communication: The sergeant knifehanded toward the barracks.

karate

chop

Quick forceful slice

  • strikeForceful impact or stoppage
  • blockSolid mass, or impede
  • kataMartial arts movement pattern

dojo · sensei · kumite · gi · belt · dan · karateka · uke

combat

strike

Forceful impact or stoppage

  • blockSolid mass, or impede
  • parryDefensive blade deflection
  • chopQuick forceful slice

counter · guard · attack · defend · disarm · stun · incapacitate · throat · neck · temple

taekwondo

chop

Quick forceful slice

  • strikeForceful impact or stoppage
  • blockSolid mass, or impede
  • beltStrap securing trousers

dan · sparring · kicking · patterns · demonstration · competition · forms · sudo

technique

chop

Quick forceful slice

  • strikeForceful impact or stoppage
  • edgeBoundary or sharpness
  • bladeFlat cutting edge

palm · fingers · wrist · alignment · rotation · snap · follow-through · chamber · extension · timing

power

force

Strength or compulsion

  • impactForceful contact or consequence
  • blowMove air forcefully
  • thrustForceful forward motion

penetration · breaking · boards · bricks · momentum · velocity · torque · kinetic · destructive · bone-breaking

Opposites
hand configuration in strikes

knifehandfist

Tightly closed hand

hammer fist · clenched fist · palm strike · open palm · punch

gesture function

knifehandopen hand

Unclenched, spread fingers

handshake

Family

knife, hand, knives, hands, handed, handy, handle, knifed, knifing

Familiarity
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Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated PG