Nine Striking Angles

The San Do Kuen Martial Arts system uses a 9 angle striking system to organize and describe the movements in our training program.  This page describes these angles in detail for your study and contemplation.

A striking angle is defined by its point of origin and its trajectory as it travels through its target area to its end point.  All angles are described based on the attacker holding a wepaon in his right hand.

Angle 1

Angle 1 is a downward diagonal strike that targets the left side of the opponent’s head, neck or left anterior shoulder girdle.  Angle 1 ends at the opponent’s right hip.

  • Angle 1 is a downward forehand slash.

Angle 2

Angle 2 is a  downward diagonal strike that targets the right side of the opponent’s head, neck or right anterior shoulder girdle.  Angle 2 ends at the opponent’s left hip.

  • Angle 2 is a downward backhand slash.

Angle 3

Angle three is a upward diagonal strike that targets the opponent’s left knee, thigh or hip.  Angle 3 ends at the opponent’s right shoulder.

  • Angle 3 is a upward, forehand, diagonal slash.
  • Angle 3 travels on the same diagonal as angle 2, but in the opposite direction.

Angle 4

Angle 4 is a upward diagonal strike that targets the opponent’s right knee, thigh or hip.  Angle 4 ends at the opponent’s left shoulder.

  • Angle 4 is an upward, backhand, diagonal slash.
  • Angle 4 travels on the same diagonal as angle 1, but in the opposite direction.

Angle 5

Angle five is a horizontal strike that targets the left side of the opponent’s rib cage.  Angle 5 ends at the opponent’s right rib cage.

  • Angle 5 is a horizontal, forehand slash with a palm change.

Angle 6

Angle 6 is a horizontal strike that targets the right side of the opponent’s rib cage.  Angle 6 ends at the opponent’s left rib cage.

  • Angle 6 is a horizontal, backhand slash.

Angle 7

Angle 7 is an upward vertical strike that targets the opponent’s groin or chin.  Angle 7 ends at the crown of the  opponent’s head.

  • Angle 7 is a upward, vertical, forehand slash.

Angle 8

Angle 8 is a downward vertical strike that targets the opponent’s head.  Angle 8 ends at the opponent’s feet.

  • Angle 8 is a downward, vertical, forehand slash.

Angle 9

Angle 9 is a front to back stab that targets the opponent’s belly.  Angle 9 ends at the opponent’s spine.