[5.5.2] Seisan Section-5- (Counter to a Front Kick) (Tiger’s Mouth Choke)

[Source:] Isshin-ryu Black-belt

[Rating:] Moderate

Information: In this version of the kata, the lower hand goes under the attacker’s knee, and the arm wraps around it. It is followed with a Tiger’s Mouth Choke and throw.             

Part-1 Attacker: Front Kicks

Part-2 Defender: Trap Kick

• Step outside the kick and trap the leg with your rear hand.
• Wrap your arm under the attacker’s leg destabilizing the opponent. (LH)

Note: The arm under-hooks the leg. This is a safer trap because it protects the ribs.

Theory: Stepping to side avoid the kick. Even if you do not trap the kick, you’re not struck by it either.

Part-3 Attacker: Grabs Shoulder or Lapel for Balance

Note: Once the attacker’s balance is compromised, he/she will grab you to maintain their balance, so you must remove their grip.

Rule: It takes two points of contact to maintain balance. Two feet on the ground or one foot on the ground and a grasp of a reasonably stationary object.

Part-4 Defender: Ridge Hand Strike with Tiger Mouth Choke

• Strike the attacker’s grasping arm to disrupt their balance and remove their grip. (RH)

Note: Slide your arm down the attacker’s arm.

• Strike the attacker in the throat with a Tiger’s Mouth hand, and then apply the choke. (RH)

Note: The strike will break the attacker’s balance backwards. The Tiger’s mouth choke is both a strike and a choke.

• Pull upwards and raise the attacker’s leg to destabilize them. (RH)
• 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.

Part-5 Defender: Guide the Attacker’s Head Towards the Ground

• Push backwards with the choke and guide the back of the attacker’s head towards the ground.

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

Note: There are two important points in this bunkai. The first is the Tiger’s mouth choke and the second is the under hook of the attacker’s leg.

Note: You can maintain the choke once the attacker is on the ground, but it must be released when he/she passes out.

Warning: Prolonged application of the Tiger’s mouth choke can result in death.

[End Series]