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Wastelander
Wastelander's picture
Gojushiho Rear Grab/Punch Defense

Hello, everyone!

This week's Waza Wednesday takes a look at a movement from Gojushiho, and how to use it in response to an attacker grabbing and turning you, typically to throw a punch.

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

Thanks for sharing Noah. Your videos are always so well done. I’m not familiar with that version of Gojushiho, but it see some commonality with the turning ridge hand in Shotokan’s Nijushiho (https://youtu.be/efxiTKgiXS8?t=41s). I think the same applications would apply.

All the best,

Iain

dhogsette
dhogsette's picture

Very nice. The Matsubayashi version of Gojushiho does not have that elbow motion; it's just a pivot into the nukite. But I can see making a slight adjustment for that application. I teach a similar application for the chest-block-front kick in Pinan Shodan (someone grabs the shoulder or hair from behind...). Similar idea. Thanks for sharing!!

Best,

David

Wastelander
Wastelander's picture

Thank you, both! We know that the "hair brushing" motion isn't in everyone's version of Gojushiho, but it shows up in other kata, as well--Kusanku, for example--and often with a turn. Even if it just gives people an idea of something to look for, then we've succeeded :)

Marc
Marc's picture

Thanks for posting that, Noah.

It's a great demonstration of a principle we find in so many katas in "variations on a theme" as Iain likes to say.

We find similar moves/applications in so many katas. Sometimes you just need to raise your left arm a little higher than commonly performed during the turn and there it is. Instead of hitting with your right hand/arm consider using your right foot/knee and you have even more variations.

The important part is pinning the hand that grabs your shoulder and then turning with your left arm high enough to "catch" the opponents arm.

In the Shotokan katas I know, I like to apply that theme to moves from at least the following katas:

Bassai-Sho, Gojushiho-Dai, Gojushiho-Sho, Heian Godan, Jiin, Jitte, Kanku-Sho, Meikyo, Unsu.

And arguably Hangetsu, Heian Yondan, Nijushiho, Sochin, Tekki Shodan, Tekki Sandan, Wankan.

That's 16 out of about 26. Of course we don't know whether any of the moves were intended to be used in that way. But it is a pretty plausible interpretation.

Again thanks for showing the principle in such an expertly executed way.

Take care

Marc