AOKK Traditional Isshin-ryu: Seisan Scissor Block

This is not one of the basic blocks taught to beginners in Isshin ryu. It is not found in Chart-one. It is however, an effective source of self-defense and is found in Seisan kata, so it must be more closely examined.  This technique begins in Seisan dachi or the forward walking stance and is executed as you move forwards into the next forwards stance. As you initially move forward you must cover the centerline targets. We termed this first piece the covering position. This is a version of the Heaven and Earth block, so it is a stance square blocking scenario. In other blocks the shoulders can be rotated slightly to remove these centerline targets preventing them from being struck, but in this technique, there is no shoulder rotation because you’re executing range-two self-defense between the attacker’s arms and legs. The covering technique starts with one arm being across the trunk in a downward position to protect your lower centerline targets while the forearm and elbow, of the other arm, covers the upper centerline targets.   As you continue to move forward, and the arms are introduced into the block, and the overlapping rotation of the arms then protects these targets.  The arms rotating into place will deflect any blow directed towards those vulnerable areas. Even though we break this technique into two distinct steps it is executed in one fluid motion. Beginners will have a tendency to pause at the covering position, but that is not allowed during the execution of the technique.

The scissor block is multi-faceted. This technique can be a simultaneous high and low block, or it can be a block and a trap.  It can be used to set-up a throwing technique. Even if the block was unsuccessful, the covering position protects all vulnerable centerline targets.