[2.1.1] Tokomini Bunkai Section-2 (Crane Stance and Poke Quick Attack)

Note: The Bo is a long-distance weapon. This bunkai takes full advantage of that superiority.

Note: This series is all about quick foot work and moving forwards into a counterattack. In this series the student learns the poke. Quick forward footwork and extending the length of the Bo simultaneously prevents the attacker from getting out of range.

Note: The Poke is performed by keeping the lead hand in place and sliding the Bo through the palm of lead hand. It is important that the lead hand rotates to a position on top of the Bo as it glides through. This keeps your adversary from striking the front of the weapon and driving it back into your face. Do not pull the lead hand back. This is a surprise technique. If your hand moves forward, the attacker can anticipate a strike with the tip of the weapon. Keep the weapon eye high so your opponent cannot determine the length of the Bo.

Important Information:

In the kata the Poke comes after the step is complete, but in reality, it happens simultaneously. In the kata the crane stance and forwards stance are merely parts of one step forward. It is broken down into two parts to adequately build the body mind connection that allows the body to be perfectly positioned without thinking. The problem with training with kata alone the student does not develop the quick twitching muscles necessary to adequately execute this series of techniques. This is why it is important to train in these two-man sets. Karate without kumite (free fighting) leaves a lot on the table and when you’re expected to perform and you have not built the cues necessary to adequately execute your counterattack.

Note: This bunkai should be done in rapid succession.  It is to be delivered like three punches delivered as quickly as you can. In real fights the adversary will retreat against a weapon to create space, so this bunkai must be practiced until you can literally run the attacker over. 

Adversary:

• Moves backwards to avoid a strike.

Defender:

• Step quickly into a crane stance and simultaneously execute the Poke with the tip of the Bo.

Note: Stepping into a Cane stance removes many of your vulnerable centerline targets. This sideways forward movement closes the gap between you and your assailant.

Note: This is the equivalent of the one-two punch in boxing. It is not two separate movements, but one contiguous one.

• As you step through into the forward stance, once again simultaneously execute the Poke striking with the tip of the weapon before the opponent can get out of range.

Note: The Poke is similar to a snap punch in karate because it does not carry the power that can be generated in a strike like the thrust. A poke to the soft tissue area of the face or a centerline target like the solar-plexus can end a conflagration.