Shotei Uchi
掌底打ち
Literally: palm-heel strike
Also known as: Shotei, Teisho, Teisho uchi
A palm-heel strike from the pads at the base of the thumb and little finger, most often to the chin; used by Shito-ryu more than other karate styles.
Quick Facts
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Shotei uchi (掌底打ち) is a strike with the palm heel, the pads at the base of thumb and little finger. The Japan Karatedo Federation lists shotei on its own and says it targets the opponent's chin and also blocks; the thumb should not project past the palm. Unlike a seiken punch, it strikes with the open hand. The strike can replace most fist punches. In self-defence it helps that the user is less likely to self-injure, and the open hand is easier to justify than a fist. Shito-ryu uses shotei more than almost any other karate style, while Kyokushin's full-contact sparring generally avoids it. The same strike is also called teisho.