A distinct category of a strike which is physically distinguishable by striking with the edge of the hand - with the hand open.

Comments:

In layman's terms, a hand-sword is a generic term for any offensive maneuver that hits with the edge of the open hand.

Hand-swords can be executed in vast array of directions (e.g. straight, side, up, down, etc.) and orientations (e.g. horizontal, vertical, inverted, etc.).

From a technical perspective, the hand-sword should use only the outer blade of the hand, but the wrist area can be used in conjunction with or a replacement for the standard contact point; although. this is generally only done in specialized situations.

Additionally, hand-swords can be executed with different Methods of Execution, including (but not limited to):

Thrust

Hammer

Hook

Roundhouse

Lift

Loop

Given the numerous potential options available to effect the maneuver, one can see that the potential for creating a list of all potential hand-swords is daunting. This is why primarily only the hand-sword strikes included in the original written curriculum are individually listed in this section.

Derivation:

The term hand-sword is taken from the physical characteristic of the strike resembling a sword.