Shutō

Shutō (literally: “hand- knife/sword”) refers to the knife-edge of the hand, which is 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 in 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 guarantees that the shutō lands first, avoiding damage to your pinky finger.

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