How To Perform Shuto Uchi - Kyokushin Karate
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Shuto Hizo Uchi·Kyokushin Austria
Kyokushin Karate, Shuto Uchi basics for beginners, kids and adults.
Shuto Hizo Uchi
SubFamilyShuto Hizo Uchi(Shuto Hizo Uchi)
Translation: knife-hand spleen strike
Overview
Shuto Hizo Uchi (Knife-Hand Spleen Strike) is a Kyokushin Karate knife-hand strike to the spleen/liver area, using the blade of the hand horizontally. [1] Mas Oyama, founder of Kyokushin Karate, demonstrated this as a fundamental combat technique requiring proper body mechanics and spirit. [1] The technique emphasises full-body power generation through hip rotation and proper weight transfer. [1]
Knife-Hand Spleen Strike
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Kyokushin practitioners train this strike for bare-knuckle effectiveness, making it one of the most practically tested karate techniques. [1]
Lineage
Kyokushin Karate; founded by Masutatsu Oyama (1964). [1]
Competition Record
Used in Kyokushin full-contact karate tournaments
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Knife-Hand Spleen Strike-specific striking mechanics with full hip rotation
Joints Involved — Shoulder, elbow, wrist (for punches/strikes), hips (rotation)
Force Vector — Technique-specific trajectory
Position & Entry
From front stance — Execute Shuto Hizo Uchi with full hip rotation
From fighting stance — Deliver Shuto Hizo Uchi with body commitment
Variants
From front stance
From fighting stance
As counter-attack
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
7
Very High7/10
Full-power Kyokushin karate strike trained for bare-knuckle impact
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
WBC/Boxing — Only closed-fist punches permitted {src— WBC Rules of Boxing}
Kyokushin — Only closed-fist strikes to body permitted {src— IKO Kyokushin Tournament Rules}
— WT — Prohibited
WT Competition Rules 2024PDF— WAKO — Closed fist only
WAKO Competition RulesPDFK-1/GLORY — Closed fist only {src— K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
Restricted
— WKF — Varies by technique — some open-hand strikes legal ...
WKF Competition Rules 2024PDF— ITF — Some knife hand techniques legal
ITF Competition RulesPDFLegal
— palm strikes, slaps permitted
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— IFMA — Legal — palm strikes permitted in Muay Thai
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Practise on makiwara and heavy bag for conditioning (Oyama, 1965)
✓Full hip rotation is essential
✓Kiai (spirit shout) accompanies the strike
Common Mistakes
!Insufficient hip rotation
!Tensing too early
!Poor stance
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Stance → Hip rotation → Shuto Hizo Uchi → Recovery
Sources & References
Primary Source
This Is Karate (Oyama, 1965)
1Book[1] Oyama, M. (1965). This Is Karate. Japan Publications Trading Co. [2] Oyama, M. (1968). Advanced Karate. Japan Publications.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Oyama, M
2Citation[1] Oyama, M. (1965). This Is Karate. Japan Publications Trading Co. [2] Oyama, M. (1968). Advanced Karate. Japan Publications.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Oyama, M
Community
Athletics
Strong hands and wrists (conditioned through makiwara training)
Good hip rotation
Solid stance
Notes
Shuto hizo uchi (knife hand spleen strike) targets the spleen/floating ribs with the knife hand. A body-targeting variation of the standard knife hand strike. (Oyama, This Is Karate; karate technique manuals)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Shuto Hizo Uchi work?
Shuto Hizo Uchi (Knife-Hand Spleen Strike) is a Kyokushin Karate knife-hand strike to the spleen/liver area, using the blade of the hand horizontally. Mas Oyama, founder of Kyokushin Karate, demonstrated this as a fundamental combat technique requiring proper body mechanics and spirit.
Where does the Shuto Hizo Uchi come from?
Shuto Hizo Uchi is a fundamental technique of Kyokushin Karate as codified by Masutatsu Oyama. Kyokushin's emphasis on full-contact fighting requires every strike to be trained for maximum real-world effectiveness.
Is the Shuto Hizo Uchi legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal (palm strikes, slaps permitted); WBC/Boxing: banned — Only closed-fist punches permitted; WKF: restricted — Varies by technique — some open-hand strikes legal in kata, generally restric…; Kyokushin: banned — Only closed-fist strikes to body permitted; WT: banned — Prohibited; ITF: restricted — Some knife hand techniques legal; WAKO: banned — Closed fist only; K: banned — 1/GLORY — Closed fist only; IFMA: legal — Legal — palm strikes permitted in Muay Thai
How dangerous is the Shuto Hizo Uchi?
Danger rating 7/10. Full-power Kyokushin karate strike trained for bare-knuckle impact
How do I set up the Shuto Hizo Uchi?
The standard setup chain: Stance → Hip rotation → Shuto Hizo Uchi → Recovery.
How do I defend against the Shuto Hizo Uchi?
Standard counters include: Block and counter / Distance management / Evasion.
What are the variants of the Shuto Hizo Uchi?
Common variants: From front stance; From fighting stance; As counter-attack.
How effective is the Shuto Hizo Uchi in competition?
Used in Kyokushin full-contact karate tournaments
What are common mistakes when doing the Shuto Hizo Uchi?
Top errors to watch for: Insufficient hip rotation / Tensing too early / Poor stance.
What are other names for the Shuto Hizo Uchi?
The Shuto Hizo Uchi is also known as Shuto Hizo Uchi, Knife-Hand Spleen Strike.