Michael receives an attack
We continue our study of 九構 kyu kamae with 一文字の構 ichimonji no kamae. First I reviewed technical details of the kamae. Then we did taihenjutsu and ukemi from this kamae to warm up.
I began our exploration of ichimonji with the form from the 骨指基本三法 kosshi kihon sanpō. Most Bujinkan students have studied this, but there is always more to learn. I demonstrated the angle and strike as you would study katana. These skills reflect each other.
Next I transitioned to using this kamae to do 捕手基本型五法 torite kihon gata gohō. The attacker punches, and I uke to the outside. Then I can pick up omote gyaku, bracing with my arm as a fulcrum.
Receiving the attack on the inside, I walk to evade any follow up attack. As I step, it brings the opponent’s wrist close. I attach it to my body then take ura gyaku.
While you are on the inside, you can use your blocking arm to advance into musha dori. I use a daken uke to soften up the joint. Then the shape of the kamae itself creates the lock as you enter.
Back on the outside, cross into 十文字 jūmonji to setup oni kudaki. If you cross over the top of the attacking arm, you can setup ganseki. Either way, the position of your body in the kukan takes the lock.
Now I showed the 上段 jōdan form of ichimonji. In fact, I received the attack by changing levels from 中段 chūdan to 上段 jōdan. This elevates the kamae, but also sets up many henka below!
I finished with the 下段 gedan form of ichimonji. I demonstrated this against a kick. I use the moment of 潜りmoguri to capture the opponent. Then I can drag him down into the depths of pain.
Of Note: paddling faster doesn’t help when you are out of your depth
