[4.3.4] Seiunchin Section-4 Kaishaku: Counter Lapel Grab

[Source:] Isshin-ryu/Jujitsu Black-belt (Tuite)

[Rating:] Moderate

Comment: This is a good example of tuite. There is tuite in bunkai. A karateka with a background in standing jujitsu may be drawn to this interpretation while it is summarily dismissed by those whose focus is simply on punching and kicking. Funakoshi sensei streamlined modern karate removing throws, locks, and weapons, but practitioners like Kenwa Mubuni were surprised to see the disregard for joint locks and throws when they first viewed Japanese karate. These changes are a few of the things that separate Japanese karate from Okinawan karate. One is not right and the other wrong they’re simply differing philosophies. American karate is not one hundred percent unaffected either. We must celebrate our similarities and open mindedly learn from our differences.  

Quote: “The karate that has spread to Japan is incomplete. Those who believe that karate consists only of kicks and punches and think throws and joint-locks are exclusive to Judo and Jujitsu, have been misinformed. We should have an open mind and strive to study the complete art. “   

                                                                                                                                                                                    Kenwa Mubuni sensei

Part-1 Attacker: Grabs Lapel    

Part-2 Defender: Finger-lock            

• Trap the attacker’s hand by placing your hand over theirs (LH).
• With your free hand, peel their fingers off your lapel (RH).
• Place the attacker in a finger-lock and set back into a cat-stance. Pull the lock downward to your hip.

Note: Bend the fingers sharply backwards with right hand (RH) and control the attacker’s hand with your (LH) left hand. Twist the palm forwards (LH) and the fingers backwards (RH).

Theory: The pain must be great enough that the attacker tries to free their grip with their free hand, or they could try to strike you. By letting them think you’re releasing the finger lock or that they’ve pulled free sets-up the figure-four shoulder lock. The finger-lock is simply an opening-up technique.

Part-3 Defender: Back-knuckle Strike

Theory: The attacker should lean forwards to relieve the pain.

• Control the finger-lock (LH) and drive a back-knuckle into the side of the attacker’s head. (RH)(temple)
• Maintain control of the attacker’s hand. (LH)
• Allow the attacker to pull his/her arm backwards.
• Place your forearm in the attacker’s elbow crease. (RH)
• Bend the attacker’s arm around your right forearm. (LH)
• Place the attacker in a figure-four overhead shoulder lock.
• Step behind the attacker and throw the attacker with (Tai-otoshi) or (Osoto-gari).

Note: This does not follow the exact movement so the kata, but many times the stepping forwards or backwards into a low block can be an indicator of a throw. You must decide the validity of the self-defense.

[End Series]