Bunkai: Rohai First Move – Chi Kung Combat Fusion

Bunkai: Rohai First Move – Chi Kung Combat Fusion

In the first move of Rohai we defend against a standard opening grab by a grappling-trained fighter, or we can use it against a grab and hit or attempted roundhouse – common attacks that untrained but motivated people use.

The yoi position and first posture draw energy into the five points along with the breath. These five points are the extreme yin points in the palms, soles of the feet, and small of the back. This chi kung energizes the main channels of the arms and legs and the main channels on the front and back of the body, as well and the dan tien and other energy reservoirs.  This energy is used for combative purposes in the first move.

As you get used to practicing this chi kung slowly and completely, as we do in the kata, you develop the ability to use it instantly to energize any move.

There are chi kung breathing and body-energy techniques in Pinan Sandan, Pinan Godan, Wankan, Ananku, Rohai, Passai, Chinto, Gojushiho and Kusanku.  They are practiced slowly to get the most out of the increasing energy flow and energy capacity. They can all be applied rapidly as needed to energize the combative application of the move. They follow a high expenditure of energy, such as a kiai. They can be used as recovery breathing as well as chi kung training. The only one of our advanced kata that does not have one is Wanshu. 

In this interpretation we defend against a double shoulder grab, the customary opening in grappling arts, or a grab to your left shoulder and a punch to your head from the right, or against a right-left double punch combination.

Your arms raise. 

You come up on the inside of both attacks. 

You encircle the grabbing arm with your left, as you deflect or disengage his other arm with your right. 

Your right reverses and comes across his head as you trap his arm with your left. 

You move in and punch to his head. 

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Post copyright © 2024 Jeffrey Brooks

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