Ridge Hand Technique

The ridge hand is a powerful open-hand strike executed by tucking the thumb inward to create a flat striking surface along the ridge of the hand. The technique is delivered with an upward-inward motion rather than a wide arching arc, targeting areas from the groin to the head including the neck, temple, and solar plexus. For speed-focused applications, the striker uses the hand ridge; for power and knockout potential, the forearm ridge is employed.

Knife Hand Strike (Shuto) Variations

The knife hand strike utilizes the inner edge of the hand with the thumb tucked, striking with the area between the thumb and index finger. Multiple variations exist: overhead knife hand, side knife hand (executed quickly by pointing, striking, and retracting), and inside knife hand. These techniques are effective against the neck, collarbone, and facial targets, with the inside knife hand particularly useful for strikes to the temporomandibular joint and throat area.

Nukite (Spear Hand) Fundamentals

Nukite is a spear hand technique where the fingers are coupled rather than splayed outward, with the middle finger bowed and the three middle fingers kept flat. This strike is designed exclusively for soft targets such as the throat and eye sockets, not for striking hard body areas. A variation called eagle nukite involves curling the fingers so the knuckles align with the index finger, enabling quick eye strikes and throat attacks in close-quarters combat.

Palm Heel Strike Applications

The palm heel is a versatile and powerful striking technique effective at both close and distance ranges. Primary targets include the underside of the chin, temple area, ear cavity, top of the head, short ribs, and groin, with the striking surface being the heel of the palm. When executed properly, the palm heel can generate additional blinding effects through contact with the fingertips.

Reverse Elbow Strike

The reverse elbow strike is executed by pulling the elbow inward and striking with the pointed end, targeting the shoulder flexors, short ribs, and side of the head. Unlike traditional karate punches, elbow strikes function as speed-driven techniques where the pointed elbow causes primary damage. The strike should emphasize hip drive to generate power and proper angle alignment.

Side and Cross Elbow Strikes

Side elbow strikes are delivered from a guard position using a direct inward motion, while cross elbow strikes generate power by driving the hips and executing the strike across the opponent's face or body. The striking surface is the middle portion of the forearm rather than the tip of the elbow. Both techniques can be chained together in rapid two-strike combinations.

Open Hand and Elbow Techniques

Franz Karate Dojo

Open Hand Strike

3 min read·6 key moments·PT10M24S video

Key Takeaways

•Ridge Hand Technique
•Knife Hand Strike (Shuto) Variations
•Nukite (Spear Hand) Fundamentals
•Palm Heel Strike Applications

Open Hand strikes and Elbow techniques. This includes many of the Kihon (basic) Waza for training our curriculum at Franz Karate.

Related Techniques

Elbow Strike Headbutt Kick Knee Strike Punch

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about open hand strike?

This video covers ridge hand technique, knife hand strike (shuto) variations, nukite (spear hand) fundamentals. It provides detailed instruction from Franz Karate Dojo.

How long does it take to learn open hand strike?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.