Uke no go gensoku

UKE NO GO GENSOKU

Five principles of defence developed by Kenwa Mabuni

1. 落花 RAKKA = Like a falling flower

To block with such force that if the technique were applied to the trunk of a tree it would lose all of its flowers. A block should be executed so decisively that it not only halts an opponent’s attack but utterly shatters it with a single technique.

Hard blocking techniques applying sudden maximum power with a twisting action of the arm to literally stop the opponent's attack and destroy his/her confidence.

Examples include Age Uke, Yoko Uke, Yoko Uchi or Harai Uke.

2. 流水 RYUSUI = Like flowing water

To flow with your opponents movements, using them against him and as an aid to your defense. Respond to your opponent using fluid movement.

Softer blocking techniques that absorb an attack and redirect it using circular or deflecting blocks in a continuous and flowing movement.

Examples include Nagashi Uke or Osae Uke.

3. 屈伸 KUSSHIN = “bouncing out and in”

Control of an attack that uses body movement originating in the knees. Keep your spine straight and use your knees to control your height, giving you balance and the strength of your legs so that little effort is required to control the attack. Springing. A reflexive, darting “out and in” kind of body shifting from any angle.

4. 転位 TEN-I = Body shift (moving the body by stepping out)

Essentially avoiding your opponent’s attack using body movement. Stepping out in all directions using the principle of Tenshin happo.

5. 反撃 HANGEKI = Interception

When the need arises, respond to your opponents attacks with decisive, powerful counter-attacks. The key point is the timing. Block and counter at the same time when the opponent strikes in order to avoid his further attacks.

Examples include various kinds of Tsuki-Uke.

All of these five elements should be practised and can be combined together. With practice, these principles will become automatic and natural.

Google Sites

Report abuse