Shutō

Shutō (literally: “hand- knife/sword”) refers to the side of the hand, opposite of the thumb above the wrist, and below the little finger. The shutō is sometimes called a tegatana (literally: “hand-katana”); imagine your hand is a sword blade that cleaves your enemies as a defense, or for various attacks. (Thus, the term “karate chop.”)

[picture of shuto]

When executing any shutō technique, slightly twist your wrist to point your fingertips away from the target. This will guarantee that the shutō lands first, avoiding damage to your pinky finger.

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