Fundamental #4: Double Shuto Block with Arm-bar-Drop

1. Both fighter’s step into fighting stance.
2. Uke: Punches with a Straight Right
3. Tori: Shuffle step on an angle outside the Uke’s shoulder line.
4. Tori: Twin shuto forearm block the punch.
5. Tori: With both hands grasp the Uke’s arm and execute a horizontal knee strike.
6. Tori: Horizontal and Reverse elbow Strike
7. Tori: Roll Uke’s arm under your armpit pulling him/her tight against your body while placing your weight on his/her shoulder.
8. Tori: Rotating the arm until their elbow and palm point upwards. (Standing Arm-bar)

Note: Some instructors like to place Uke’s hand in a wristlock while administering the arm-bar-drop.

9. Tori: Kick both your legs upward placing all your weight on Uke’s shoulder.
10. Tori: Uke will land face down on tatami (mat).

Note: This must happen in one fluid motion before Uke can counter your technique.

Warning: Release the arm-bar before making the drop during practice or simply arch your back and do not throw your training partner to the mat. The Uke will have a difficult time breaking their fall. Uke must know how to forward break-fall properly.  If you extend your hand, to break your fall, you run the risk of breaking a wrist.

Purpose of Technique Fundamental #4

In this series the student is trained to use both hands simultaneously. It is intended to break the block then punch cadence created during the initial stages of range-one training. The AOKK student learns to fight from the standing position first because generally all attacks begin from a standing position. It also teaches rudimentary body evasion. Lastly it teaches the Arm-Bar-Drop takedown.

Most Ukes are right-handed, so that is their power side. When an Uke punches be prepared. Many victims of violence are caught with a sucker punch and have no response. You must be aware of your situation to see this coming. Also, you must practice trapping an opponent’s punch at full speed to apply this technique. We step forwards and outside the Uke’s shoulder. Both hands are up to deflect the blow. It is better to get hit with a glancing blow or one on the arms than to take one to the aggressors intended target. The second you feel the impact grasp the Uke’s arm. Maintain control with your right hand and strike with your left hand to the adversary’s face or throat. This is to change the opponent’s strategy for the altercation. To make the opponent more pliable knee strike him/her in the ribs or groin. This is all a smoke screen to get Uke to let you rotate their arm. He/she will try to pull away. What they should do is start punching you with their free hand, but like an animal in a trap they want to extricate themselves. Roll them into an arm-bar with their elbow pointing to the sky and tightly press your back against their shoulder. Kick your feet upward and drop all your weight on their shoulder. Most people cannot support your full body weight with one arm. This should drive Uke facedown to the ground. In many cases this will end the altercation, but you may need to inflict more pain on the Uke until the danger has been minimized. NEVER go to the ground if there are multiple assailants.

Note: Kano sensei removed throws that required locks to facilitate the throw. He did this to make training safer. The jujitsu throws however generally all facilitated by a type of lock. In practice it is important to release the lock before making the throw. Jujitsu was developed by the samurai for personal combat on the ground. In the frenzy of battle the warrior could lose their weapon and if not skilled in jujitsu they’re vulnerable.