[4.3.1] Section-4 Kaishaku: Counter to a Two-hand Choke

[Source:] AKKA Isshin-ryu Black-belt

[Rating:] AOKK Preferred Bunkai

Part-1 Attacker: Tries a Two-Handed Choke

Part-2 Defender: Twin Punches

• Turn your head to the left break the attacker’s grip.

Theory: When I first learned this kata, the head was turned right and left. This was “Kakushite” or hidden technique that had been added to the kata. The kakushite is understood and should not find its way into the kata, but it often does. Do the kata as your instructor tells you to, but when you find these little anomalies, it is usually due to a hidden technique taught by a senior instructor. By adding the hidden technique, to their kata, they believe it will keep them from forgetting the kaishaku. I do not believe in changing the kata, but to actually break the attacker’s grip you must move your head side to side.

• Drive both hands and forearms between the attacker’s arms. Push your elbows outward and this will break the attacker’s grip, while simultaneously driving your fists under the attacker’s chin.

Rule: If an attacker grasps your lapels, it is to control your movement, or to throw you.

Note: In the AOKK we do not just block the attacker’s arms away we drive our fists into the attacker’s chin as out forearms push the attacker’s arms outside our centerline.

Information: The attacker’s grip is with his/her thumbs. When your elbows wedge it is more force than most men’s thumbs can withstand. A twin punch can also be delivered to the attacker’s face in the process of breaking the attacker’s grip. The purpose of this maneuver is to loosen-up the attacker, so additional techniques can be applied. This is simultaneous technique.

Hidden Technique: You can also hit the attacker with a head-butt as the attacker’s hands are removed and you grasp his/her lapels for the choke and throw. This is simultaneous technique.

Theory: When two techniques are thrown at the same time in a kata it only means they follow each other so closely that it looks like one single technique. In this case both fists are thrown at the same time.

Part-3 Defender: X-Choke and Throw

• It is hard to see this in the kata, but you execute an X-choke or cross hand lapel choke. [4.3.0.b]
• Step counterclockwise pulling the attacker off balance, and execute a body drop throw using rear leg to trip the attacker. As the attacker is heading down pull your hands away from the choke and allow the attacker to tumble to the ground. (Tai-otoshi)

 Theory: The attacker should be disoriented by the strangle hold. This makes him/her less likely to break their fall.