一文字の構 ichimonji no kamae

We warmed up with 前方廻転 zenpō kaiten. We did the ryote, katate, and mute variations. Then I added diving over and under an obstacle.

We began class with the first of the 骨指基本三法 kosshi kihon sanpō with 一文字の構 ichimonji no kamae. When you learn the proper form, the form itself will collapse your opponent’s structure. It is amazing how one strike can leave him utterly destroyed at your feet. When you do it well, no ukemi will prevent this.

I showed how to enter with the 手刀 shutō or “hand sword.”. Your alignment guards against a second attack before you strike 首筋 kubi suji. And striking this kyusho can lead to unconsciousness.

The hidden aspect of this kamae is that it really protects through control of the kukan. To demonstrate this I showed the long range variation. Here both the opponent’s attacks are nullified by the proper distance and angle. When the opponent delivers his second attack, He runs his own body onto your “sword hand” and is cut down.

For the close range we uke at the root of our opponent’s shoulder. Then we must trust our kamae against the second attack. When it arrives we pivot around it, capturing the energy from it to send our opponent crashing down.

Of Note: work the pole