How to Perform a Knife Hand Strike in Karate

A knife-hand strike is a strong technique in karate. More popularly known as a 'karate chop,' the knife-hand is powerful enough to knock out an attacker.

EditSteps

1. 
   1
   Open your hand with your fingers extended and touching together.
2. 
   2
   Arch the hand backward, forcing the palm side of the knuckles forward.
3. 
   3
   Fold the thumb into the palm, bending the top of the thumb downward
4. 
   4
   Curve the tips of your fingers in slightly while keeping the hand arched backward.
5. 
   5
   Move your striking hand, palm up, near the opposite-side shoulder.
6. 
   6
   Strike across your body, straightening your elbow as you go.
7. 
   7
   Twist your wrist immediately before contact, so that the palm faces down. The padded edge below the pinky is the striking surface.
8. 
   8
   Keep your other hand as a fist at your side. Pull back on this hand in the opposite direction of your strike to gain power.

Resource: wikihow.com