Kyobu shuto uchi applications
0
Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi·MUKUSHO FILMS
Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi
SubFamilyShuto Jodan Uchi Uchi(Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi)
Translation: high inside knife-hand strike
Overview
Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi (High Inside Knife-Hand Strike) is a Kyokushin Karate high-level inside knife-hand strike targeting the temple or side of the neck. [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]
High Inside Knife-Hand 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
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — High Inside Knife-Hand 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 Jodan Uchi Uchi with full hip rotation
From fighting stance — Deliver Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi with body commitment
Variants
From front stance
From fighting stance
As counter-attack
Videos
1 video
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
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 Jodan Uchi 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 jodan uchi uchi (knife hand upper-level inside strike) is a high knife hand strike targeting the temple and jaw from the inside angle. (Nakayama, Dynamic Karate; Oyama, This Is Karate)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ways to use shuto jodan uchi uchi in an actual fight?
According to Mukusho Films, shuto jodan uchi uchi can be used as a strike, as a lock (particularly to the neck), or even applied similar to a low kick. The technique is versatile and can transition into takedowns or submissions depending on how you follow up.
How do I set up a lock after striking with shuto jodan uchi uchi?
Mukusho Films explains that after you strike or when your opponent grabs your hand, you can move in to lock them—keeping your chest out and pulling back rather than pushing away to ensure the lock is effective. From there you can follow up with a neck lock or takedown.
Can I use this technique if my opponent is already grabbing my hand?
Yes, according to Mukusho Films, shuto jodan uchi uchi can be applied from a hand grab position. When your opponent grabs your hand, you can use the technique to come in and establish a lock or transition to a takedown.
How does the Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi work?
Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi (High Inside Knife-Hand Strike) is a Kyokushin Karate high-level inside knife-hand strike targeting the temple or side of the neck. Mas Oyama, founder of Kyokushin Karate, demonstrated this as a fundamental combat technique requiring proper body mechanics and spirit.
Where does the Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi come from?
Shuto Jodan Uchi 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 Jodan Uchi 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 Jodan Uchi Uchi?
Danger rating 7/10. Full-power Kyokushin karate strike trained for bare-knuckle impact
How do I set up the Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi?
The standard setup chain: Stance → Hip rotation → Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi → Recovery.
How do I defend against the Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi?
Standard counters include: Block and counter / Distance management / Evasion.
What are the variants of the Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi?
Common variants: From front stance; From fighting stance; As counter-attack.
How effective is the Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi in competition?
Used in Kyokushin full-contact karate tournaments
What are common mistakes when doing the Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi?
Top errors to watch for: Insufficient hip rotation / Tensing too early / Poor stance.
What are other names for the Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi?
The Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi is also known as Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi, High Inside Knife-Hand Strike.