This video looks at the “Cup & Saucer” hand position found in Passai / Bassai-Dai & Kushanku / Kanku-Dai. The purpose of the moment is to locate the enemy’s head by following the arm back to the target. While the hand and arm are very mobile, the head is always right next to the shoulder. We can therefore locate the head, in the chaos of conflict, by following in the arm back to the head. For this method, the hand (fist or palm depending on style) is then placed on the head so a direct feel for the enemy’s head is established. The main strike is then delivered.

This video covers a basic bunkai drill for shuto-uke / “knife-hand block”. Specifically, the drills overs the basic pass to be used should the initial strike to the neck be blocked. This section is part of a wider drill for the limb-control components of Passai / Bassai-Dai.

This video was filmed at a two-day seminar in Achim, Germany in May 2016. As always, these short clips can’t convey the totality of what was covered, or how what was covered fits within the wider training matrix. I nevertheless hope what is shown is of interest.

All the best,

Iain

In this video you can see a flow drill for some on the methods found within Naihanchi / Tekki-Shodan kata. The video covers a drill for the opening sequence and the “reinforced block” section.

The drill should be performed with plenty of movement and in a fluid way. It should look and feel a little “rough” such that it accurately reflects the nature of conflict and provides a solid stepping stone to live practise of the methods.

This video covers the bunkai for shuto-uke (“knife hand block”). The primary function of shuto-uke is to move us past the enemy’s limbs so that we can continue to attack and press home our advantage. Shuto-uke is therefore primarily a transitionary method.

This video shows the two core applications of shuto-uke (inside and outside versions), explains how they would be used in combat, and covers the habitual action that shuto-uke aims to instil.

All the best,

Iain