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[edit] Shomen-uchi
A knife-edge strike to the front of the head. A shomen-uchi could also strike the face or solar plexus depending upon distance and relative height. Not only uke but also nage can use this strike. In the latter version, it is often an opener, by which uke is made to block, exposing his or her arm for a technique, occupying it to enable movement to the side, etc.
- Open the fingers and "energize" the hand to increase the power of this strike.
- Make a large, strong strike.
- This strike derives its power from the movement of the center, and cuts cleanly down the center line.
