[12.1.0] Section-12 Bunkai: Counter to Kick (Ashi-Yoko-nage or Foot Side Throw)

[Source:] UIKA/AOKK Isshin-ryu Black-belt

[Rating:] Basic

Part-1 Attacker Kicks

Part-2 Defender: Traps Kick and Ankle Throws the Attacker

• The karateka steps backwards into a Cat Stance. This is to gain distance making it easier to catch the attacker’s foot and minimize the force generated by the technique.
• Grasp the heel and the toes of the attacker’s foot.
• Trap the foot and pull it to your side. Place your RH on uke’s heel and the LH on his toes.

Note: Twist the toes CCW with your LH.

• Twist the foot counterclockwise with your RH.
• Pressure on the knee and loss of balance will send the attacker to the floor.

Note: If the attacker falls face forwards, place him/her in a knee lock.

Part-3 Defender: Throw Attacker Face Down and Follow with a Knee Lock

• Maintain control of the attacker’ foot with both hands.
• Step over the attacker’s knee and bring your foot down between the opponent’s legs.

Note: Push your toes under his/her trunk.

• Bend the knee as you lower your body.

Warning: Do this slowly or uke could be hurt. Anytime you apply a lock in practice do it slowly. This also applies to randori. Too quickly and the opponent cannot tap.

• Twist the attacker’s foot to increase pressure.

Warning: If you stand up after applying this lock do it slowly. It is better to roll to the side, so you do not fall forwards accidentally.

Theory: Every instructor I know has taught this kaishaku for the last few steps of Seisan. They all taught it as being a foot grab and twist. Some even have told me it is an ankle twist to sprain or stretch the ligaments.

Information: This is not a strong explanation of the series of technique, but it is good for children. Grabbing and twisting the opponent’s head and neck should not be taught to children or adults that could misuse the more realistic bunkai.

Question: Why after having close intimate contact for the majority of techniques, would the creator of Seisan kata suddenly change the fighting range to long distance or kicking distance? The majority of this kata’s techniques are executed in range two. Range two is close-in standing up jujitsu, punches, elbows, and throws. Range one is kicks and long extended punches. So why back away and try the difficult task of catching someone’s foot on the off chance they decide to kick you. The foot is a very small target, and this technique has a very low chance for success. I believe it was because this was a good technique if applied properly and a much safer self-defense to teach beginners. The range-two defense against a double leg takedown is a more dangerous response and should only be taught to advanced students with a great deal of control.

Information: Dr Yang’s book on Shaolin Chin-na page 219 shows this trap is of a side thrust kick and not a front kick as I was originally taught. Twisting the leg of the front kick was difficult, but the side kick is different. The heel and toes are easily placed in the bends of the arms allowing for a quick rotation. The knee joint is locked making this technique effective. Against the front kick it was too easy to bend the knee and remove pressure, but the move against a side-kick is a whole different subject. It is the subtle differences that make a technique work. Only research can show us these differences.