Tantō Dōri – Shōmen Uchi – Throat Palm Atemi Entry

As Uke attacks Shōmen Uchi with a Tantō held in Gyakute (reverse grip), Tori steps forward on the centerline, raising both hands along the centerline before they separate: his rear hand meets the attacking arm on the inside to deflect it, while his lead hand strikes Uke’s throat with an open palm (it could also target the chin, but the throat is preferred). The atemi is crucial, as it both distracts Uke, preventing him from rearming and attacking again, and unbalances him backward; parrying the incoming attack with the other hand alone is insufficient, as Uke is able to quickly rearm and attack again. Through this entry, Tori establishes an advantageous position from which he can continue into various techniques.