A Simple Reversal

We warmed up with 順流れ jun nagare and 逆流れ gyaku nagare. First we did these as muto dori evasion against a sword cut. Then we used sword against sword as our opponent counters our cut, we evade with a nagare.

The progression of ukemi should go from two handed rolling, to one handed, and then no hands. And finally learn to roll with every type of weapon. It is not enough to just roll with the weapon. You must be able to use it before, during, and after your roll.

I began class with 唯逆 yuigyaku. This is another walk up attack, but this time your opponent strikes first. Respond with an uke, but it is not just a block. Hatsumi Sensei told us, “As he punches you open him up. This is very important. Have the feeling of guarding this hand because it’s dangerous. Make sure you control this hand.”

Soke taught us to guard both hands because of the next attack. He also showed us how to position ourselves to check for weapons. The positioning of your own feet captures the kukan here in a way to kill the opponent’s attack.

The take down is done with an 内掛 uchigake. I showed two variations of this, first across to the opposite leg, then hooking the same side leg. The kata finishes with a curious pin to the hips.The Japanese text says 両股関節捕我 ryō kokansetsu to ga. But it has to be studied with a qualified instructor. There is a way to do it that prevents being caught by the opponent “pulling guard” as they say in jūjutsu.

Next I showed how to use the initial uke to reposition the opponent. If you do this well, it winds his hips around to open your entrance for the throw. But this movement also has a subtle way of causing your opponent to “give” you his weapons. My opponents were surprised to find both hands trapped even though I did not hold them.

I finished by using these principles for muto dori. When I was in Japan last month, Hatsumi Sensei told us, “Use your body within the kukan to control. Just 触てる sawateru, go with a touch here. Not thinking about winning. Make the opponent into kukan.” When my opponents cut with the sword they become nothing and I am left holding their weapon.

We made a video of this class for rojodojo.com. But even on video it is hard to see what happens. It must be felt in person.

Of Note: muppet sayings