48 techniques (part I)

I spent several years studying ancient okinawan manuscript Bubishi. This article is part 1. of my interpretation and bunkai applications. At least it shows diversity of original okinawan self defense method that will later be famous under new name – “Karate”. 

KEN TSUKI

nose smash with a fist
This is very basic karate technique. One should keep in mind that this punch is not same as punch in sport karate.

In modern karate it is very often used for thrust to opponent trunk, however this is not very effective in self-defense. In old karate fist is aimed at opponents nose.

Tips: Grab opponent’s arm and pull it. This is called hiki-te. You will control your opponent and make your strike much more powerful.

Reference kata: Seisan

KINTEKI GERI

kick to groins
Kinteki geri is performed always with your front leg. It is fast and accurate, whipping kick.

Tips: Step a side and grab opponent’s arm for better control.

Reference kata: Seisan, Kushanku, Anan

SHUTO UCHI

knife-hand to opponents throat

Knife hand is one of primary and most effective weapons of old okinawa karate. This technique is can be very dangerous when aimed at opponents throat. Also, this strike can be used to smash opponents face and limbs.

Tips: Parry opponents attack with your other hand and counterattack simultaneously.
Reference kata: Kushanku

SAGURI-TE

eye gouge

In self-defense, you can easily gouge opponents eyes with your fingers. This is done with your front hand, because you can cover more space with your front hand.

Tips: Don’t be stiff. This technique does not require any power. Speed and accuracy are all you need.

Reference kata: Passai, Kushanku

HIZA GERI

knee smash

Knee is one of most formidable weapons of karate. You don’t need too much practice to understand its use.

Knee is used to smash opponents groin and sometimes, depending of situation, when aimed at opponent head it will easily knock him down.

Tips: You must use your hands (hiki-te) to control and pull opponent into knee smash. Without your hands hiza geri is almost useless.

Reference kata: Passai

EMPI UCHI

elbow smash

Elbow and knee are best used in close distance. This is prime weapon if stronger opponent tries to grab you. Knee and elbow can be very devastating with very little practice.

Elbow strikes are very powerful. It is used to smash opponents face or to break his ribs.

Tips: You must use your rear hand to pull and control your opponent. Hiki-te is most important here. Do not use your whole forearm to smash. Focus all your power at the elbow top (olecranon).

Reference kata: Passai, Kushanku, Anan

USHIRO EMPI UCHI

elbow smash

This is similar technique. It is used as defense against attack from behind. Grab your opponent arm and smash his ribs with your elbow.

Tips: You should remember that all elbow techniques require good stance. If you have firm stance, you will be able to focus all your mass into this strike.

Reference kata: Kururunfa

URAKEN UCHI

backfist

This technique is not very well understood today. Your wrist must be relaxed. All power is generated through whipping motion. Strike is always aimed at opponent nose and upper lip.

This technique is very effective in close distance.

Tips:  It is mistake to use entire flat surface of backfist. You should use your knuckles as point of contact.

Reference kata: Passai, Kushanku

TEISHO UCHI

palm smash

Palm strike to opponents face is very effective. You should always use your rear hand to parry attack.

Tips:  This is very quick technique. Point here is to smash opponents nose.

Reference kata: Anan, Seisan

NUKI-TE

throat grab

In many cases, this technique is shown as variation of palm strike in kata.

Tips: Instead of throat you can easely grab his hair, ear or press your thumb under his chin.

Reference kata: Anan, Seisan & Kushanku

KOMA NAGE

elbow lock

Gichin Funakoshi used term “koma nage” in his Karate do kyohan. Similar drawing also exists in Bubishi.

Koma nage can be used as counter to wrist grab, also it is very effective controlling technique used after shocking strike or kick.

Tips: Grab opponents cloth instead of just pressing. This is more secure method.

Reference kata: Anan, Passai, Kushanku

KUBIWA

head manipulation take down

Gichin Funakoshi named this technique “kubiwa” – “around the neck”. Similar drawing also exists in Bubishi.

Kubiwa is easy to learn technique. It is logical choice when you parry opponents kick or strike on outer side.

Tips: Grab opponent’s hair and press your hand against his nose, using your fingers to poke his eyes.

Reference kata: Passai, Kushanku

SAKUTSACHI

to hammer down

Gichin Funakoshi named this technique “sakutsachi” – “to hammer down”. Similar drawing also exists in Bubishi.

This technique requires a lot of strength. You can use this throw as an escape from

Tips: Attempt to reach with your hand between his legs as far as it is possible. Try to hold his belt on a back.

Reference kata: Kushanku

KATAWAGURUMA

“great wheel”

In Karate do kyohan this technique is called katawaguruma and I suppose that this name comes from Japan.

This technique also requires a lot of strength. This throw is best suitable when opponent tries to push, choke or wrestle with you.

Tips: Arm press against his groin will help you lift him much easier.

Reference kata: Kushanku, Anan

YORIDAMA

leg holding throw

In Karate do kyohan this technique is called yoridama, but unfortunately it is demonstrated completely wrong.

Yoridama is used as defense against a kick. You should catch a leg with one arm and parry his punch with other. This technique is also found in ancient manuscript Bubishi.

Tips: Don’t try to sweep him down (this is sport karate version), instead perform quick counter clockwise turn with your rear leg. This will throw your opponent on head.

Reference kata: Passai

TANI OTOSHI

shoulder throw

Tani otoshi is one of the most popular throws in Judo. Illustration is found in Karate do Kyohan and in Bubishi.

Best situation to use this throw is when opponent is behind your back trying to choke you or when he is in front of you holding your hair, neck or sleeves.

Tips: You can throw your opponent in several different ways – over your shoulder, over your hips or just pull him over your legs.

Reference kata: Passai

SHIME

choke hold

I had an opportunity to feel this hold on several seminars with Okinawan teachers. You can perform it when you are behind your opponent or when you are at his side. You should always use shock strike before attempting to make this hold.

Tips: Hide your face. Opponent will try to scratch you or hit you.

Reference kata: Passai