Overview
Like the fist, the shuto is one of karate's fundamental weapons. It can be used in a variety of arcing directions, and has considerable power. It's also valuable as a block. Sometimes know as a sword hand, but some people consider that to be a separate technique.
Compare to: Ridge hand, Sword hand
Used in these katas
Bassai dai, seiunchin, empi, sanseru, sepai, karurunfa, kanku dai
Striking targets
Throat, joints, temples, jaw, neck, ribs, groin
Technique
Extend all of your fingers, keeping a slight bend in the second knuckles. Bring the thumb in to the side of the hand, holding it there tightly. Force the middle of the hand to push outwards through the palm. In conjuction with the tensed thumb, this prevents the hand from buckling and breaking the delicate metatarsel bones.
Strike with the padded part of the hand, angling your hand slightly to ensure the maximum amount of flesh padding between the bones of your hand and the target.
Some people also say that because the little finger is weak, you should slightly tuck it in behind the finger next to it because otherwise it tends to whip out and can break.
Strengths
A powerful strike that can be delivered in a circular motion where a punch would not get through. Doubles as a powerful and damaging block. Can be used against a very wide range of targets.
Weaknesses
Only effective in circles. Relatively slow to deliver.
