[7.1.1] Tokomini Bunkai Section-7 (Hand Removal, Horizontal Strike, Thrust)

Note: The front end of the Bo is versatile. It is not simply used for striking or poking it can also be used to pull an attacker’s hand from the weapon. You can weave the front end of the weapon to create a wristlock and then force the attacker to release their grip on the Bo or you can use the more practical method and simply position the front of the weapon behind the adversary’s wrist and pull backwards. This technique opens the opponent up for your counterattack. If they maintain control of their weapon, they can block your counterattack.

Note: Remember the weapon is two-sided, so for every action there will be a second action. As you pull the attacker’s hand free you will automatically execute a horizontal strike.

Adversary:

• Strikes downward with the front of their Bo at a 45° angle.

Defender:

• Block the strike with the front end of your weapon.
• Roll the tip of the Bo over and behind the attacker’s wrist and pull their hand away from the weapon as you pull backwards.

Note: Roll the attacker’s weapon away from or outside your body with the front of the weapon or they can thrust over your initial block and damage your ribs or solar plexus.

• Horizontally strike with the rear of your Bo.
• Reverse direction and execute a horizontal strike with the front of your weapon.
• Step into zenkutsu dachi and thrust the tip of the weapon to the adversary’s solar plexus/ribs.

Note: The ideal target is the solar plexus, but you take what you get and a broke or bruised rib will suffice.

• Return to the guarding position.

Note: If the attacker will not release the weapon drive the tip of the weapon into their ribs and then pull backwards on their wrist. You may want to do this loosening up techniques whether you anticipate a difficult release or not. Once the hand releases continue the sequence.

Note: If the attacker raises their weapon, so you cannot place your Bo behind their hand, you can go under the Bo to trap and pull their hand from the weapon. If the attacker lowers their weapon, as expected, you can go over the top of the weapon to trap and pull their hand from the Bo.

Note: If the attacker’s hand does not release slip the front of the weapon from behind the attacker’s wrist and continue with the sequence.