Pin, Control, Rock, and Roll

We warmed up with the 半棒術 hanbōjutsu kihon 合わせ投げ awase nage. First we reviewed what we studied last time. Then I added the cross grip version. This kihon has many lessons for weapon retention and taijutsu in general.

I began class with 抑込 osae komi. This 坐型 suwari gata is a great intro to ground fighting. Hatsumi Sensei emphasizes the characteristics of Daruma in his movement. This is a natural rolling taijutsu that uses inertia and shifting body mass.

When I studied this with Soke, he also emphasized control of the attacker’s lead foot. This can happen with your own legs or with your hands. But this control opens up the target of 下段 gedan for a natural rising kick.

As the opponent falls, the pin happens in the knees. This is actually a break, but at the least very painful. And we did henka where you bring your own right or left leg over his grabbing arm. Then you might do a crocodile death roll to break all of his stuff!

One very interesting thing Hatsumi Sensei said was, “途中で変える体 tochū de kaeru karada” which means you change the direction of the body in the middle. This is a follow on from the concept of moving like Daruma, but it happens in the flow. I taught this transitioning into a koho kaiten that will pin and break the opponent’s arm all in one movement.

Of Note: need a lyft?