One Strike With the Power of Three

Michael evades an attack

We warmed up with 六尺棒術 rokushakubōjutsu. First we did 天頭 tentō uchi and jōdan uke. Then we did the kata 虚空 kokū.

I began class with 括拷 kakkō. Hatsumi Sensei says we should strike with ittou santou. This is one strike with the power of three. Soke sometimes uses a variation on this fist that he calls 暁角拳 gyokaku ken.

The three fingers are bound together in one instant. Then as they drive in, They claw and hook to 3 different kyusho around the throat. From your right to left (opponent’s left to right), 一時 Ichiji (or 左禁 sakin), 時 ji (or murasame), and 三当 santou (or 右禁 ukin).

Of course your kick to 摧 sai sets the whole thing up. We deliver this with a rhythm and angle that lifts the opponent. Then we strike him down before he lands.

I showed some henka on this approach. Hook the leg with 内掛 uchigake or even 外掛 sotogake. This draws the opponent into your strike.

Of course the whole approach is one of control. Control over the kukan. I finished class by sharing some things I learned from Hatsumi Sensei about using the space itself to trap the opponent and knock him down.

Of Note: 牛に対して琴を弾ず