AOKK Non-Traditional Isshin-ryu: Outside Inside Middle Block (Chudan Soto Uke)

This is not one of the basic blocks taught to beginners in Isshin ryu. In the early days of karate training a student would be taught one block and they would practice this block against all types of attacks until they could deflect any blow.  Later, as the student became more skilled, they would be expected to move and deflect attacks using this block.

In most systems there are two types of middle blocks. The first is the middle outside block (Chudan Uchi Uke) and the middle inside block (Chudan Soto Uke). Traditionally, Isshin-ryu does not teach the Chudan Soto-Uke block, but this technique is still in our kata.  The Isshin-ryu instructor calls these techniques “Hammer-fists” when it is represented in our forms. Okinawan instructors outside the Isshin-ryu schools easily recognize this block when it is seen in our kata. They also know the bunkai behind the movement.

Every system has a middle block made with the forearm. Tatsuo Shimabuku sensei changed the methodology of how to deliver the outside middle block, and he eliminated the inside middle block. This inside block does not fit into the methodology for blocking developed by Tatsuo Shimabuku sensei. There are some downsides to this block and that may be the reason Shimabuku sensei excluded it from his system. It exposes the soft underside of the forearm. This block is made with the side of the arm (Ulna Bone) and fist. Shimabuku believed blocking with the Flexor muscles on the top of the forearm is safer. Veins and tendons are exposed on the underside of the wrist and forearm and if damaged you can temporarily loose the use of the arm.

This block has multiple uses. It can be used to remove an attacker’s grasp as-well-as a hammer fist strike. If an opponent grabs your wrist, this technique can be use to attack the grasping arm.  It can also simply be a redirection of a blow. Shoulder rotation in integral to making this block effective. If you trap an attacker’s punch this technique can be used to hyperextend joints or strike pressure points.  It can be used to rake down and attacker’s forearm if they grasp your lapel. This movement lights up the nerves of the forearm and causes pain. It is in our system we just do not recognize it as a stand alone technique.

The fist of the hand delivering the middle outside block starts at the shoulder line. The block then sweeps horizontally across the body covering all centerline targets. This gives the karateka the ability to redirect any blow or blows to these targets.  The rear hand is positioned across the centerline targets on an angle to begin this technique. This gives the student added protection as the hand of the blocking arm is pulled to the side. As this block sweeps across the body, the rear hand is pulled to the obi (belt).  As the block begins, the hips are also turned slightly as an added cover to the centerline targets. Hips and shoulders rotate into position while weight is transferred to the front leg from the back and all movement stops at the same time for maximum generation of power. The fist of the blocking hand stops between the shoulders chin high.

This technique is not found in chart-one or what we refer to as the upper body techniques, yet we should not dismiss it because it is not found there. This technique is found in our kata, so it must be important. The bunkai for this technique is viable. Many instructors dismiss this as being a strike with the side of the fist called a hammer-fist, but it is still more than an obscure strike. I saw a demonstration of the bunkai for this technique performed by a Okinawan karate master.  The blow was made with the side of the forearm and not the fist against a grab, but it could just as easily be made to deflect a punch. We will not teach this technique as a part of every class, but it is important that our students have an understanding of this technique.