AOKK Traditional Isshin-ryu: Open Hand Middle Block (Mawashi Uke)

This is one of the basic blocks taught to beginning students in Isshin ryu. In the early days of karate training a student would be taught one block and they would practice that 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 that block.

Every system has a middle block made with the forearm and this is a variation of that block. This circular block does not fit into the methodology for blocking developed by Tatsuo Shimabuku sensei, unless the initial contact is made with the back of the forearm like all other Isshin ryu blocks. If it follows this methodology, then it stays within the Isshin ryu blocking concept. To do this after initial contact, the arm must be rotated until the palm faces outward. This does expose the soft underside of the forearm, but it allows the karateka to trap or grasp the attacker’s arm at the completion of the rotation.  

The open hand of the circular block starts at front of the groin. The block then sweeps in a circular motion in front of 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, to start with, is in front of the face. This is a parry block to protect the head and face. This gives the student added protection as the hand of the blocking arm is rotated to the side. As this block rotates past the centerline targets, 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 open hand stops outside the shoulder line. The blocking hand is turned outside the forearm. This makes trapping easier.

This technique is found in both chart-one upper body techniques and our kata. The majority of our throwing scenarios begin with a trapping of an attacker’s limb. This block although it is a trap can simply be used to redirect an attacker’s punch.