We prepare to defend our six. We train this in every kata.
At the beginning of this interpretation, we are fully committed to the front, using the reverse punch in zenkutsu dachi.
The stance and the technique are maximally powerful in this direction.
But the position is vulnerable to an attack from the rear.
In another video we will show how to deal with this vulnerability to a striking attack – defending the achilles from a foot strike.
In this interpretation we defend against a rear bear hug.
It is defendable if you respond quickly, while you have balance.
As the attacker makes his attempt to grab you and pull you
You respond by folding your shoulders and crossing your arms, as shown in the kata
This is a standard compression position. It allows maximum expansion of the following technique, but it also breaks the opponent’s grab, and
Creates a gap in front of you in which you can rotate toward him
As you turn to strike your elbow lines up with his center line. If he is your height then you can counter to his solar plexus, but there are many good targets in the center area of the body.
You continue the turn with a fluid motion fully extending your arm and propelling your shuto strike to his neck area or other available target.
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For more on this kind of interpretation read “Bunkai Research is Traditional”.
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Post Copyright © 2023 by Jeffrey Brooks, Mountain Karate, Yamabayashi Ryu, Saluda, NC USA
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For more bunkai interpretations and much more read True Karate Dō –
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