Understanding and Debunking the Karate Chop Myth
In recent years, self-defence encounters have evolved, placing focus on more realistic techniques. Yet, some martial arts enthusiasts debate the effectiveness of certain techniques, like the controversial ‘Karate Chop’. But what is the real authenticity of this move? A video from the YouTube channel, Hard2Hurt led by ‘Icy Mike’, attempts to shed some light. The video kicks off with a vibrant discussion between Icy Mike and a Karate Black Belt, revolving around the actual existence and use of karate chops in real-life self-defence. Icy Mike, known for his direct approach, fires back stating rather emphatically that karate chops are indeed real, versatile, and damaging if used appropriately. Originally thought to be only existent in the world of Hollywood and movie magic, Icy Mike undertakes the task of demolishing these preconceived notions. He insists that karate chops are more than a ‘fictitious movie thing’. He combines theory with practical demonstrations, carving a path of understanding for his viewers. Icy Mike explains that the karate chop, or shuto uchi, is a versatile technique that can be effectively used in fights. He demonstrates the mechanics of the move by employing it as a counter-attack against a body hook, emphasizing the importance of a relaxed wrist and an open hand during execution. He likens the karate chop to a form-fitting tool that inserts into opponents’ jowls, potent enough to possibly disrupt the carotid artery. The video explores the differences between karate chops and hammer fists, intending to clear the fog of misunderstanding. Although visually similar, Icy Mike takes the time to break down the differences by demonstrating each of them separately. He states that the karate chop provides better reach and precision due to a relaxed wrist and an open hand, unlike the hammer fist that can be restricted by the opponent’s shoulder. However, despite his firm stance, Icy Mike does encounter a measure of debate from his fellow martial artist that sparks a broader conversation. The point of contention here is the traditional perception of a karate chop. Most envision it as a downward strike while Icy Mike promotes it as a lateral or angular arc. In the realm of modern self-defence, the emphasis lies not in the origin of the technique, whether it’s Karate, Muay Thai, or North American street fighting, but in its practicality and effectiveness. And in that regard, the karate chop stands tall as a formidable technique given its versatile nature and potential damage output. Throughout the video, Icy Mike insists on the necessity of an open mind in practising martial arts, breaking away from the fixated notions of what a technique should and shouldn’t be. He showcases the karate chop not as it is portrayed in the movies or media, but as it functions in a real-life self-defence scenario. The debate that this video sparks serves as a reminder that traditional martial art techniques are fluid and adaptable. Exploring, questioning, and challenging these techniques can not only enhance fitness but also skillsets within the ever-evolving sphere of modern self-defence.Blablabla
Hard2Hurt is a YouTube channel run by Icy Mike, a self-defense and fitness expert. He shares his vast knowledge in martial arts, fitness, and personal security through easy-to-follow videos. Mike emphasizes practical, actionable information aiming to help people get stronger, safer, and healthier while also boosting their confidence.
Self-Defence Block
BOING! KAI!
We call it an upside knife hand
That pan over at the end was hilarious.
Aussie Mike rocking the jetlag and jeans combo
The funniest was Mike saying "carotid artery" and Seth hearing "karate artery". I'm not sure if he's messing with us…
Edit: didn't capitalize the names…❤ Sorry
Actually, it looked like an aikido yokomen'uchi strike 🤭😂
Jujutsu knife-hand?
that ending was golden xD
Apparently, none of you two guys has any idea how to throw a proper "karate chop" (or shutô uchi)…!
It is therefore kinda pointless to discuss the matter further…!
WTF Seth. You never learned Shuto (knife hand)? I use it all the time and it is found in Kanku Dai in karate. How are you a black belt? People call it a block, but as most people know, all "blocks" are actually attacks, just like stances can be attacks.
Karate chop is to break boards.
the mibd blowing moment when Seth realizes you can use this technique from inside out and outside in while sitting on the porch after this video must have been entertaining.
This is angry dad and sad son vibes 😂😂
😂😂 This video has the same energy as when we start arguing with my friends being completely drunk about the most superfluous topics that exist😂😂
I see a lot of silat, I train to chop that way and use their shoulder to glide over. U Also can step out and do a weird upside down Jab
I would love to see the Karate Nerd react and disect this technique.
Taekwondo yellow belt form has the chop in it
People are so obsessed with disproving traditional martial arts they will go against anything, when it's like, "well actually there is this whole thing with brachial plexus and stuff". I'm onboard with the whole Shermer skepical thing, but my goodness, have you people never been thrown around the room? Certain realities emerge
The knife hand strike aka the karate chop aka the judy chop can absolutely be a devastating strike. In fact, I love the knife hand strike more than the hammer fist in a lot of situations, especially striking at arms and legs, and from the guard positions you can still develop a lot of velocity with it compared to a punch since you don't need to push with your feet to generate power, and even better than a hammer fist since a knife hand will move through the air faster than a fist and the surface area is also smaller allowing better penetration.
Growing up my instructor would do what was called a floating break, where he set 4 red bricks on the ends beside each other with nothing holding them and then knife hand strike them crossways breaking all 4. His name is Larry Haik and he still has a picture of it on his facebook.
best outro ever! 🙂
IDK, is not what Mike does in so many kata (Heian Yondan, Kankú Dai, Gojushiho Sho/Dai)? Called Soto Mawashi Shutó Uchi?
That's actually an ITF taekwondo chop: sonkal taerigi.
Okay, I admit I laughed out loud at the “this is a hammer fist, this is a karate chop” part. In boxing gloves, which you put on, they’re the same. LOL, I love it.
It actually makes me wonder whether, in a fight, I could confuse a guy by saying “now this next thing, is this a karate chop, like in the movies, or a hammer fist?” I think that would actually work.
@SenseiSeth what is a Shuto Gammen Uchi? a Shuto Sakotsu Uchi? a Shuto Uchi Uchi? A Shuto Hizo Uchi? a Yonhon Nukite? @hard2hurt don't listen to him man. These are Karate moves
modern karate may only teach the vertical chop but i can assure you that in tradtional japanese martial arts there exists vertical, horizontal, 45 degrees chops strikes along with push and grab variations. Typically refered to as shuto (translation blade hand).
For some one that hasnt learnt those techniques formally you executed them excellently – because you know experience and thinking matters.
It could of easily been christened the "kung-fu" chop, the only two styles that movie execs know.
When your passion keeps you up late!
Not sure what style Seth practices but I’ve trained in a few different styles of karate that all have it – it just isn’t called that. It’s called a knife hand strike, or a shuto strike.
Can't believe Mike had to teach Sensei Seth the different ways to throw the classic "karate chop" (knife hand.) There's an inside, outside, AND downward knife hand strike. They're pretty situational, but Mike just demonstrated several legit situations where they can be used. The inside knife hand is more common, but both inside and outside knife hands can be found all across the kata curriculum from basic to advanced.
Kung fu the art of turned your hand into a mallet
In ufc 1 or 2
Early days, a guy beat the huge man , 600lbs guy got beaten BAD by a guy Ku Fu
Chops are a thing and they work. Chop to the neck can fking MESS SOMEON UP
We have seen Jesse Enkamp chop a tomato with a knife hand on this channel in that downward strike that Seth is saying is not a karate chop, however if you boys cant agree you can always ask Jesse I am sure he has an answer lmfao.
It's "shuto uchi" (knifehand strike)
It can come from inside like what sensei seth did, and it can come from outside like what icy mike did.
All traditional martial arts has its "inside"and "outside" variation.
The lesson here is, to use MMA gloves or no gloves in demonstrating an open hand technique. And never film at 12 midnight😅
Mike discovered more traditional karate just by trying stuff out than Seth ever has.
Damn, everyone’s in the background 😂. Im hoping for ArmchairViolence to get into the collab circle.
lmao the quiet breakfast panel getting a show with their meal