Strikes

Targets are the temple, face, neck, septum, throat, clavicle, ribs, kidneys, groin, or large muscle groups. The throat strike is especially effective since the knife hand's narrow profile allows it to slip beneath the chin. Forge your knife hand by striking against a canvas bag filled with dried peas, then a mixture of dried peas and sand, and finally, pure sand.

• Horizontal Knife Hand Strike. A strike that is usually used to the temple, face, neck, ribs, kidneys, or large muscle groups. Bring the striking hand back in a knife hand shape, cupping it over the same side ear. As the hand moves forward in the strike, let the shoulder move into the strike, twisting hand to a palm upward position as it strikes. Develop additional power by leaning into the strike. Leaning forward at impact can cause knife hand to slide over skin as it strikes, possibly causing a tearing injury. 
• Vertical Knife Hand Strike. A strike that is usually used to the clavicle. Bring the striking hand back beside the same side ear with the palm facing forward in a knife hand shape. As the hand chops forward and downward, the hand rotates with the knife edge. Let the shoulder move into the strike, twisting your hand to a palm upward position as it strikes. Develop additional power by slightly rotating the upper body and dropping the body weight into the strike.
• Inverted Knife Hand Strike. A strike that is usually used to the temple, face, neck, ribs, kidneys, or large muscle groups or as a block. Formed by using the knife hand described above except the hand is held (palm down). Keep wrist locked with the hand aligned with the forearm. The point of impact is the fleshy part of the outer hand, which may be used with great force on a hard surface without injury to the hand. Used in an outward palm down slashing motion. Bring the striking hand back in a knife hand shape, cupping it over the opposite side ear. As the hand moves forward in the strike, let the shoulder move into the strike, twisting hand to a palm downward position as it strikes. Develop additional power by leaning into the strike.
• Reverse Vertical Knife Hand Strike. A strike that is used against an opponent standing directly behind you. Bring the striking hand back in a knife hand shape, cupping it over the opposite side ear. Strike downward and backward into the groin of the person as you step forward with the opposite foot.
• Vertical Knife Hand Thrust. A strike that is usually used to the clavicle. Bring the striking hand back beside the same side ear with the palm facing forward in a knife hand shape. Thrust the knife edge of the hand straight forward similar to a punch.
• Spinning Knife Hand Strike. A strike that is usually used to the temple, face, neck, ribs, kidneys, or large muscle groups. Formed by using the knife hand described above except the hand is held (palm down). Keep wrist locked with the hand aligned with the forearm. The point of impact is the fleshy part of the outer hand, which may be used with great force on a hard surface without injury to the hand. It is executed by rotating the body 360° toward the side executing the strike in a palm down slashing motion.