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By Clement Sequeira Published on: Thu Apr 7, 2022
Chops and Open Hand Strikes are used to hit the opponent with your palm's heel/edge. They can be used to attack or disorient and make an escape. Open hand strikes include palm strikes, finger strikes, knuckle strikes, and palm heel strikes. Chops include neck chops, collarbone chop, and reverse chop.
National-level medallist and authorised instructor, your sensei has over 25 years of experience in this martial art form. Clement is a 4th Dan Black belt and also holds distinguished positions as a national level judge with Karate Association of India, and a continental referee with the World Union of Karate-Do Federations.
The previous blog was on Kata Taikyoku Sandan. Now we will explore chops and open hand strikes in Karate. They are used to hit the opponent with your palm's heel/edge. This technique can be used as an attack or a finisher, to disorient an attacker or strike the opponent's chin, chest, neck/throat, face, or groin, to attack or make an escape.
Chops and hand strikes are executed by swinging the open hand/palms upwards, downwards, or sideways to the target, i.e., an attacker's chin, chest, neck/throat face, or groin. Chops and hand strikes are most effective when used against the opponent's body's soft, vulnerable areas. Regardless of the opponent's size, this kind of attack will usually leave them unable to continue the attack on you.
Below you’ll find a list of Open Hand Strikes that you need to practice. Think of them like you’re executing a punch. But as you move your hand with your palm facing upwards, turn it sideways just before impact. This can be converted into a knuckle thrust by folding your fingers once.
Next you need to learn a set of Chops in Karate. Remember to use the strongest portion of your palm – the edge of the palm to execute the chop. Begin by raising your hand as if you’re about to perform a block, but with one open palm facing the ear and the other facing downwards. Practice the following one after the other.
Finally, there are also Finger Strikes that are equally important in Karate training. Chops and open hands strikes are practiced in real-time attack/defence scenarios using different stances. They are used in Kihon, Kata and Kumite's varied applications, and are a great weapon for the Karateka to destabilize the opponent.
With the moves you have learnt in this blog, it's time to practice, practice, and practice until you get them just right. Our next blog will introduce Elbow Strikes and the various techniques associated with them.
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