Shutō ganmen uchi
Name
Romaji:
Shutō ganmen uchi
Japanese:
手刀顔面打ち
English:
Knife-hand strike to the face
Terminology
Shutō refers to the outer edge of the hand as a striking surface.
Position in the sequence
Block:
Hidari sanchin-dachi
Position in the sequence:
Technique 15
Preceded by:
Seiken chūdan uchi uke / gedan barai
Followed by:
Shutō sakotsu uchi
Starting position
Hidari sanchin-dachi, hand shaped as shutō, fingers together.
Commands
Follows as the first shutō technique in block 3.
Counting
Practiced in the main count of block 3.
Kiai
According to the main count.
Execution
The edge of the hand travels toward the face or temple along a clean path. The strike should be quick, compact and precise.
Technical key points
- strong wrist
- correctly positioned thumb
- keep the fingers together
- keep the shoulder low
- closed waki
Common errors
- spread fingers
- bent wrist
- excessive arc
- loose hand form
Purpose
To establish shutō as a clear striking surface toward an upper target zone.
Relationship to further training
Idō Geiko: Carries into shutō forms with movement.
Kata: Shutō is central in several kata.
Kumite: Trains the direction and structure of the hand edge.