Upward Cut

Genus

切り上げ(Kiri-age)

Traditional

Translation: upward cut

Overview

The Upward Cut is a knife cutting action that travels vertically from low to high, typically targeting the underside of the opponent's forearm, the inside of the wrist, or the abdomen. ^[1] In Filipino martial arts this motion corresponds to angle 9 or angle 12 in various numbering systems and is often delivered from a concealed low position. ^[1],[2] The upward cut is tactically valuable because it attacks from below the opponent's line of sight and is difficult to parry with a downward block. ^[2],[3]

Also known as

Taga Pataas^[1]Rising Slash^[2]Rip Cut^[3]

Used in

Kali Silat Military CQC

History & Origin

Upward cutting motions with a knife are found in Filipino martial arts, Indonesian pencak silat, and Western military combatives, where the rising trajectory exploits gaps in an opponent's guard. ^[1] The technique is emphasised in Fairbairn–Sykes combatives and in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali's close-range attack sequences. ^[2],[3]

Effectiveness

The upward cut (Unterhau) attacks from below, targeting the arms, chin, or torso of an opponent whose guard is high. ^[1] It is effective as a counter-cut against opponents attacking from Vom Tag. ^[2]

Lineage

The Unterhau was described in German Fechtbücher as one of the fundamental cuts in the Liechtenauer tradition. ^[1]

Competition Record

Upward cuts are used in HEMA longsword competition as both opening attacks and counters. ^[1]

Images

No images yet for this technique.

Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary Action — Cutting, thrusting, or striking with a bladed weapon — edge alignment and trajectory determine cutting effectiveness

Joints Involved — Wrists (edge alignment and rotation), elbows (extension for thrusts, chambering for cuts), shoulders (arc of the cut), hips (power generation)

Force Vector — Varies — downward diagonal cut (kesa-giri), horizontal cut (yoko-giri), thrust (tsuki), or rising cut (kiri-age)

Weapon Mechanic — Edge alignment (hasuji) is critical — the blade must travel along its cutting plane for effective cuts

Position & Entry

From ready stance (chudan-no-kamae or equivalent) — Assume guard position, establish distance (ma-ai), execute the cut or thrust when an opening appears

From engagement distance — Use footwork to close to striking range, execute the technique with proper edge alignment (hasuji)

As counter — Wait for the opponent's attack, deflect or avoid, and counter-cut to the exposed target

Variants

Standard cut — primary cutting angle from the ready stance

Thrust (tsuki) — straight thrust targeting the throat, chest, or face

Rising cut (kiri-age) — upward diagonal cut from low to high

Diagonal cut (kesa-giri) — downward diagonal cut following the kimono line

Videos

rykenfu

Upward figure 8 pattern for Wing Chun Knife practice.

Upward Cut·rykenfu

Single and double upwards figure eight drill for training deflect cut on forehand and backhand.

The Sword Lynx

3 Ways to Upper Cut

Upward Cut·The Sword Lynx

We all upper cut, so let's talk about how to do them differently. Whether it's for cutting bamboo or sparring, we can tr…

Learnthesword

Shihan Dana Abbott Sword Training: DAILY 4: Upward and Downward Cutting Angles

Upward Cut·Learnthesword

Today's segment: Upward and downward cutting angles Learn the Sword Daily answers many of those hard to find details abo…

1 / 2

3 videos

What Instructors Say

The upward cut is a fundamental strike executed by raising the blade from a lower position toward an upper target, taught across multiple weapon systems with distinct methodological emphases. Rykenfu emphasizes the upward cut within Wing Chun knife training, integrating it into the figure-8 pattern (tongou) as part of deflection-and-cut combinations that develop eye tracking and weapon awareness. The instructor stresses maintaining proper elbow bend, keeping the hand near centerline, and ensuring the edge leads the movement as the wrist rotates and straightens during the ascent. Learnthesword addresses upward cuts in sword training (Joho Giri) within down-up-down sequences, focusing on controlled blade management (shiboru) and achieving smooth transitions between angles at varying speeds. This instructor emphasizes that effective upward cuts must be precise despite their full range of motion, directing practitioners to visualize narrow target topography rather than wide arcs, and to execute the cut with proper follow-through without rushing blade withdrawal. The Sword Lynx provides three distinct methodologies: a power-oriented approach using full body acceleration (suitable for bamboo cutting), a rotational slash using core engagement and body twist for mid-range work, and a wrist-centric rolling cut emphasizing fluidity and speed over power (applicable to moving opponents). All three instructors agree the upward cut requires body rotation and proper sequencing, though they diverge on whether power, controlled angles, or wrist mobility should be prioritized depending on training context and opponent type.

Synthesized from 3 instructors

rykenfu — Upward figure 8 pattern for Wing Chun Knife practice.: Teaches upward cuts within Wing Chun knife's figure-8 drill, emphasizing eye tracking, weapon control near centerline, wrist rotation during the ascent, and edge-leading mechanics; frames upward cuts as deflection transitions in continuous patterns.
Learnthesword — Shihan Dana Abbott Sword Training: DAILY 4: Upward and Downward Cutting Angles: Addresses upward cuts (Joho Giri) in sword practice within down-up-down sequences; emphasizes blade management (shiboru), smooth transitions between angles, precise target contact despite wide motion range, and proper follow-through without rushing blade recovery.
The Sword Lynx — 3 Ways to Upper Cut: Presents three methodologies for upward cuts: full-body power acceleration for static targets, rotational slash with core engagement for mid-range work, and wrist-centric rolling cut for dynamic sparring; distinguishes between power-based cuts and speed-based cuts for different combat contexts.

Learn This Technique

No instructional courses yet for this technique.

Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

Extreme9/10

Knives and short blades are the most common weapon in real-world assaults; high lethality

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Intermediate

Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

WEKAF — Legal in padded stick competition {srcHEMA — Legal in applicable weapon categories {src

Training Notes

✓The upward cut drives the blade from low to high in an ascending arc — targeting the underside of the forearm, the groin, and the chin (Inosanto, The Filipino Martial Arts, 1980)

✓The rising trajectory makes the upward cut difficult to see and defend — it comes from below the opponent's line of sight

✓The upward cut uses the legs and hip drive: the body dips slightly then rises, driving the blade upward with the whole body's momentum

✓In forward grip, the upward cut uses an edge-up orientation — the sharp edge leads the ascending motion for maximum cutting effect

✓The upward cut is the primary attack against the opponent's weapon arm from below — slicing the underside of the wrist or forearm

✓In reverse grip, the upward cut becomes a ripping motion — the blade hooks under and pulls upward through the target

✓The upward cut is an excellent counter-attack — delivered as the opponent commits to a high-line attack, the rising blade catches their extended arm

Common Mistakes

!Scooping rather than cutting — the upward cut must draw the edge through the target, not simply push upward

!Not using the legs — the rising motion comes from the legs and hips, not just the arm

!Telegraphing by dipping the body obviously — the dip should be subtle; an exaggerated drop reveals the intention

!Aiming too generally — the upward cut requires precise targeting; the rising arc must contact the intended target zone

!Not protecting the head during the rising motion — the upward cut temporarily opens the high line; keep the guard hand up

!Using the upward cut at long range — this cut works best at close to medium range where the ascending arc can reach the target

!Not training the upward cut frequently — it is often neglected in favour of forehand and backhand cuts, creating a gap

Related Techniques

Guard Position — the ready stance from which this technique is initiated Parry — defensive blade/weapon action that counters this attack

Counter Techniques

Parry (Absetzen) — deflect the incoming blade with a counter-displacement Void (Step Back) — withdraw from measure to avoid the cutting arc Counter-Cut (Nachreisen) — strike into the opponent's opening during their attack

Setup Chain

1Ready Position — assume the guard stance appropriate for the weapon

2Distance Control — manage spacing relative to the opponent

3Execute Technique — perform the offensive or defensive action with correct form

4Return to Guard — recover to a defensive ready position

Sources & References

Primary Source

Bubishi: The Classic Manual of Combat (Patrick McCarthy, 2008)

1BookFilipino Martial Arts (Inosanto, 1980)

Alias sources — [1] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1994) [2] Hoplology (Burton, 1884) [3] Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts (Draeger & Smith, 1969)

2BookThe Complete Book of Knife Fighting (Cassidy, 1997)

Effectiveness sources — [1] Fighting with the German Longsword (Tobler, 2004) [2] Medieval Combat (Talhoffer, 2000 translation)

3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)

Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)

4CitationFilipino Martial Arts (Inosanto, 1980)

Alias sources — [1] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1994) [2] Hoplology (Burton, 1884) [3] Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts (Draeger & Smith, 1969)

5CitationThe Complete Book of Knife Fighting (Cassidy, 1997)

Effectiveness sources — [1] Fighting with the German Longsword (Tobler, 2004) [2] Medieval Combat (Talhoffer, 2000 translation)

Community

Athletics

Requires

wrist control for edge alignment, grip endurance, footwork precision

Favours

quick wrists, strong forearms, good posture

Key muscles

forearm extensors/flexors, deltoids, core, calves

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most common mistake people make when finishing an upward cut?

According to Shihan Dana Abbott, practitioners tend to pull the blade back out too quickly after making the cut instead of finishing the angle of attack properly. Think of it like an airplane landing on a runway—you need to complete the landing rather than reversing immediately.

How should I practice upward cuts to build proper muscle memory?

Shihan Dana Abbott recommends a drill where you point the sword up to the ceiling, pull it down, push it forward, bring it back up, and repeat this cycle. After doing this many times—realistically a couple thousand repetitions—your arm muscles will adjust and lengthen, allowing you to make severing cuts with a swift blow.

In Wing Chun knife training, how do I use upward cuts with deflections?

The upward figure-8 pattern combines deflections with cuts: as you come up high enough to defend your upper gates, you deflect and cut in a continuous rotation around your body, connecting from one side to the other while keeping your hands near your center.

How does the Upward Cut work?

Where does the Upward Cut come from?

Upward cutting motions with a knife are found in Filipino martial arts, Indonesian pencak silat, and Western military combatives, where the rising trajectory exploits gaps in an opponent's guard. The technique is emphasised in Fairbairn–Sykes combatives and in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali's close-range attack sequences.

Is the Upward Cut legal in competition?

WEKAF: legal — Legal in padded stick competition; HEMA: legal — Legal in applicable weapon categories

How dangerous is the Upward Cut?

Danger rating 9/10. Extreme — knives and short blades are the most common weapon in real-world assaults; high lethality

How do I set up the Upward Cut?

The standard setup chain: Ready Position → Distance Control → Execute Technique → Return to Guard.

How do I defend against the Upward Cut?

Standard counters include: Parry (Absetzen) — deflect the incoming blade with a counter-displacement / Void (Step Back) — withdraw from measure to avoid the cutting arc / Counter-Cut (Nachreisen) — strike into the opponent's opening during their attack.

What are the variants of the Upward Cut?

Common variants: Standard cut (primary cutting angle from the ready stance); Thrust (tsuki) (straight thrust targeting the throat, chest, or face); Rising cut (kiri-age) (upward diagonal cut from low to high); Diagonal cut (kesa-giri) (downward diagonal cut following the kimono line).

How effective is the Upward Cut in competition?

Upward cuts are used in HEMA longsword competition as both opening attacks and counters.

What are common mistakes when doing the Upward Cut?

Top errors to watch for: Scooping rather than cutting — the upward cut must draw the edge through the target, not simply push upward / Not using the legs — the rising motion comes from the legs and hips, not just the arm / Telegraphing by dipping the body obviously — the dip should be subtle; an exaggerated drop reveals the intention / Aiming too generally — the upward cut requires precise targeting; the rising arc must contact the intended target zone.

What are other names for the Upward Cut?

The Upward Cut is also known as Kiri-age, Taga Pataas, Rising Slash, Rip Cut.

upward cut kiri age weapon short blade knife fighting knife cut kali silat military cqc taga pataas rising slash rip cut