What does karate chop in a french bread dough mean? http://www.steamykitchen.com/75-baking-the-perfect-loaf-of-french-bread.html


  Now do a little “karate chop” lengthwise down the middle of the bread and stretch out the long ends again. Fold over in half. The karate chop helps get the middle tucked inside. 


I didn't understand this "karate chop" thing. What exactly does it expect me to do after I fold the sides of the dough?
In context, it means to press down with the blade of your hand, to facilitate folding into thirds:



I put an orange line near the part of the hand you would press with. 

This is not a standard culinary term, by the way&mdash;the recipe author is being cute.

In practice, you could use the handle of a wooden spoon, or press a little groove in with your fingers, as well.