1)

Any strike in which the execution of the Natural Weapon mimics the typical execution method of an ax.

2)

Shorthand term for Hand-sword or Knife-edge.

Inflected Form(s):

Chopping (adjective), Chops (plural), Chopped (past tense)

Comments:

Since chop is such a generally used, non-specific term, it is common for the practitioner to use the term without specifically understanding (or caring) which definition it is they are employing.

1)

Chop is a generic and non-specific term, referring to any strike done with the narrowest side of the weapon. This is due to the physical similarity of the cutting (chopping) action of a bladed, Man-made Weapon.

Since bladed, Man-made weapons use diagonal lines as their primary Path of Delivery and vertical / horizontal lines as there secondary Path of Delivery, chopping can also refer to any strike that is executed mainly on a diagonal Path of Delivery.

Any strike delivered like a chop and then altered to its normal Angle of Contact can be described as a chopping version of that strike (see example).

2)

Since Hand-sword and Knife-edge are longer, more complex, more technical terms, chop is frequently used in place of these terms.

Example(s):

1)

A punch delivered on a diagonal Path of Delivery (as if executing a forearm strike), but converted to a normal punch (i.e. punching with the knuckles) at the last moment, would be described as a chopping punch. Note that the converse is also true (see Punch example).

Derivation:

Chop came about, because martial art systems typically use Natural Weapons which simulate their Man-made Weapon equivalents. Likewise, the Natural Weapons are given the same names - such as Hand-sword and Knife-edge. This then lends itself to naturally replace the action equivalents, also.

Related Definition(s):

Strike

Related Term(s):

Angle of Contact, Colliding Forces, Hand-sword, Knife-edge, Path of Delivery