The Boss grip

Or if its included in any of the DVD's that would be awesome :)

Sofia wrote:

If anyone could give me a good thurough explanation of the boss grip with pictures, or even better a video, it would be much appreciated!

Hi Sofia,

This youtube clips has a pictiure of it :-)

There is also a very brief explanation of why is it can be an advantageous grip. I hope it gives you what you need.

All the best,

Iain

I like to think of Iains "Boss grip" as shuto uke - except the shuto "Strike" is on the other side of the head in grip on the back of the neck. The reverse arm is pinning the opponents arm in the same way as in shuto uke. I just find that an easy way to conceptulaize it.

Thank you for the clip!

I was more thinking of the "slow dance" bit of the grip with the elbows, eye poking and ear biting :) My memory is kinda fussy, so just need a reminder how to start it off so I can teach others.

My bunkai trainings are more testing out and learning along the way more than actually instructing. But hey, you gotta start somewhere :)

Sofia wrote:

I was more thinking of the "slow dance" bit of the grip with the elbows, eye poking and ear biting :) My memory is kinda fussy, so just need a reminder how to start it off so I can teach others.

That’s not the grip, but the “playing for grips” game that I often use as a warm-up. Both play for grips (as opposed to fight for grips which comes after) such that there is a flow and a sensitivity to each others movements. One person can then lightly head-butt, knee, elbow, bite (by snapping the teeth near the ear etc), eye gouge (put the thumb just above the eye brow), seize the groin (grab the belt knot), and grab the throat (by placing the web of the hand on the neck). The aim of the drill is to help tori (the doer) recognise the openings for such techniques. Uke (the recipient) does not actively resist but creates obstacles to be navigated by continuing to play for grips. After a while, tori and uke change roles. It’s one of many drills I use for warm-ups and lower grades. I hope that helps?

All the best,

Iain