Knife-hand and palm techniques

Setup

1. Pairs: a striker and a holder with a paddle.
2. Holder holds the paddle out to the side at shoulder height with a firm wrist, well away from the face.
3. Strikes go to the paddle only, never to the partner.

How it runs

1. Line-up practice: ten sonnal makki (knife-hand blocks) stepping into back stance (dwitgubi), on the sabeom's count.
2. Striker checks the holder is ready, then strikes the paddle edge-on with a knife-hand strike (sonnal chigi), five each hand.
3. Palm heel: the holder turns the paddle face on; the striker strikes with the base of the palm, fingers pulled back, five each hand.
4. Partner deflection: holder puts the paddle down and reaches slowly towards the striker's chest; the striker deflects the arm with a palm block. Swap roles.

Coaching points

• Knife-hand: fingers together and straight, thumb tucked, strike with the fleshy edge below the little finger.
• Palm heel: wrist bent back, fingers curled, strike with the base of the palm.
• Start the block from a chamber near the opposite shoulder and turn the hand as it lands.
• Back stance: most of the weight on the back leg, front foot light.
• Power comes from the hip turning with the strike, not just the arm.

Common mistakes

• Fingers spread or thumb sticking out, which can jar a finger.
• Hitting with the fingertips instead of the hand edge or palm heel.
• Short, flat back stance with the weight spread evenly.
• Deflection practice speeding up until it is a hit.