[14.1.2] Tokomini Bunkai Section-15 (Vertical Up and Down Strike, Horizontal Left Right Strike)

Note: Kata teaches the body mind connection, so they can work in unison. The better the body and mind work together makes wielding of the weapon feel not as awkward. Kata teaches the flow of the weapon while these two-man sets help the student to recognize cues given off by your opponent.

Note: In this scenario the students will learn how to use all thirds of the weapon. In this training the attacker and defender learn the use of the Bo in a more practical manner. Students must change roles to get all the information that can be learned in this series of technique.

Both Students are in the Guarding Position:

Adversary:

• Low strike to the defender’s legs.

Defender:

• Vertical Push Block with lower part of the Bo.

Note: From the Push Block position you can block with the lower portion of the weapon either left or right. You can also block with the upper third of the weapon left or right to protect the head. The middle of the Bo can be used to block horizontal strikes.

Warning: Do not let the opponent strike your fingers or hand when using the middle third of the weapon to block a strike. A damaged hand, fingers, or writ makes wielding the weapon more difficult. The hands and fingers are a prime target in a conflagration.

Defender:

• Vertical overhead strike to the attacker’s collarbones or skull.

Adversary:

• 45° Crossbody angular strike/block the front of the opponent’s weapon to stop the overhead counterattack.

Note: Remember there are two ends of this weapon. It is common to wield the rear of the Bo immediately after striking with the front of the weapon.

Defender:

• Vertical underhand strike to groin or legs.

Adversary:

• Low blocks with the front of their weapon.

Defender:

• Vertical overhead strike to the attacker’s collarbones or skull.

Adversary:

• 45° Crossbody angular strike/block the front of the opponent’s weapon to stop the overhead counterattack.

Note: This is the one-two version of the vertical strikes.

Defender:

• Horizontal strike clockwise to your right.

Adversary:

• Vertical Push Block to stop the Horizontal strike with the middle third of the weapon.

Defender:

• Horizontal strike counterclockwise to your left.

Adversary:

• Vertical Push Block to stop the Horizontal strike with the middle third of the weapon.

Note: You can flip the weapon if you choose but in a real conflict there may not be enough time. Focus on making the block.

Note: This is the one-two version of the horizontal strikes.

Adversary:

• Moves backwards out of the range of combat.

Defender:

• Thrusts the Bo tip forwards to strike the attacker before he/she can get out of range.

Return to Guarding Position: