[5.5.1] Section-5 Kaishaku: Counter to a Front Kick

[Source:] Isshin-ryu Black-belt (One of the First Bunkai)

[Rating:] Basic

Information: In other versions of this kata, the lower hand does not go behind the buttocks but stays in front of the thigh. This move lends itself to the alternative kaishaku/interpretation below of wrapping the arm around the leg to increase the ability to trap and hold the leg of a kicking attack.

Note: In 5.5.2 bunkai the arm wraps under the attacker’s knee, but in 5.5.1 the arm wraps around the outside of the knee. Going around the knees opens the ribs for attack.

Part-1 Attacker: Front Kicks

Part-2 Defender: Trap Kick

• As the kick is returning grab the attacker’s leg. Wrap your arm around the attacker’s leg destabilizing the opponent. (LH)

Note: The arm can wrap the leg in either direction. The kata’s kaishaku would have you going under the thigh and over the top of the thigh (grapevine effect), but in all practicality going over the top of the thigh and under the knee is easier to apply. This is how most kicks are trapped by unskilled fighters.

Theory: Wrapping the arm under the leg is safer because the forearm and biceps of your arm will absorb the impact of the kick.  Going around the outside of the leg exposes your ribs to the impact. Broken ribs impair your ability to breath.

Part-3 Attacker: Reaches Forward (to grab you for balance)

Part-4 Defender: Remove Grasp

• When the attacker leans forward and grabs you with one or both hands to keep his/her balance, ridge hand strike the attacker’s grasping arm with your ridge hand to free his/her grasp. (RH)
• Knife-hand strike across your body to the attacker’s neck (brachial plexus) or drive a palm-heel into the attacker’s chin. (RH)
• Pull back slightly and raise the attacker’s leg to destabilize them. (LH)

Note: You need to break the attacker’s balance to enable the throw.

• Throw the attacker with Sukui-nage or Osoto-gari. Simply pushing with your striking hand and quickly rotating your hips the attacker can be thrown by his/her leg. You can also step behind the attacker’s support leg and reap it.

Warning:  During practice of Osoto-gari, you must control uke’s fall. If not uke’ head could impact the mat.

Part-5 Defender: Counterattack Variation and Takedown

[Variation-of-Technique] Palm-heel strike to the attacker’s chin and grasp their clothing. Lastly sweep his/her support leg. Lift their leg and drop them on the back of their head.

[Variation-of-Technique] Knife hand strike to the right collar bone or jaw line or throat

[Variation-of-Technique] Knee strike to the attacker’s groin with the lead leg

[Variation-of-Technique] Side-kick to the attacker’s support leg before dropping the leg

[End Series]