48 techniques (part I)

I spent several years studying the ancient Okinawan manuscript Bubishi. This article is the first part of my interpretation and bunkai applications. It shows the diversity of the original Okinawan system of self-defense, which would later become known by a new name — karate.

KEN TSUKI

punch to the nose
This is a very basic karate technique. Keep in mind that this punch differs from the punch used in sport karate.

In modern karate, it is often used as a straight punch to the opponent’s torso, but this is not particularly effective in self-defense. In old karate, the fist is directed at the opponent’s nose.

Tips: Grab the opponent’s arm and pull it. This pulling action is called hikite. It allows you to control the opponent and make your punch much more powerful.

Reference kata: Seisan

KINTEKI GERI

kick to the groin
Kinteki geri is always performed with the front leg. It is a fast, accurate kick delivered with a whipping motion.

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

Reference kata: Seisan, Kushanku, Anan

SHUTO UCHI

knife-hand strike to the opponent’s throat

The knife hand is one of the basic and most effective weapons of old Okinawan karate. This technique can be very dangerous when directed at the opponent’s throat. The strike is also commonly used to block punches. Notice that blocking here means attacking the opponent’s arm: the strike itself serves as the block.

Tips: Deflect the opponent’s attack with your other hand and counterattack at the same time.
Reference kata: Kushanku

SAGURI-TE

eye gouge

In self-defense, you can attack the opponent’s eyes with your fingers. The technique is performed with the lead hand because it can cover a greater area.

Tips: Do not be stiff. This technique does not require strength — only speed and accuracy.

Reference kata: Passai, Kushanku

HIZA GERI

knee strike

The knee is one of karate’s most powerful weapons. It does not take much practice to understand how to use it.

The knee is used to strike the opponent’s groin and, in some situations, the head, which can easily knock the opponent down.

Tips: Use your hands to control the opponent and pull them onto the strike (hikite). Without the use of the hands, hiza geri is almost useless.

Reference kata: Passai

EMPI UCHI

elbow strike

The elbow and knee are best used at close range. If a stronger opponent tries to grab you, the elbow is one of your main weapons. Knee and elbow strikes can be devastating even without years of training.

Elbow strikes are very powerful. They are used to strike the opponent’s face or break the ribs.

Tips: Use your rear hand to pull and control the opponent. Hikite is especially important here. Do not strike with the entire forearm; focus the force on the tip of the elbow (olecranon).

Reference kata: Passai, Kushanku, Anan

USHIRO EMPI UCHI

backward elbow strike

This is a similar technique, used to defend against an attack from behind. Grab the opponent’s arm and strike the ribs with your elbow.

Tips: Remember that all elbow techniques require a stable stance. A firm stance allows you to put your whole body mass into the strike.

Reference kata: Kururunfa

URAKEN UCHI

backfist strike

This technique is often misunderstood today. The wrist must be relaxed, and the power comes from a whipping motion. The strike is always directed at the opponent’s nose and upper lip.

The technique is very effective at close range.

Tips: It is a mistake to strike with the entire flat surface of the back of the hand. Use the knuckles as the point of contact.

Reference kata: Passai, Kushanku

TEISHO UCHI

palm-heel strike

A palm-heel strike to the opponent’s face is very effective. Always use your rear hand to deflect the attack.

Tips: This is a very fast technique, aimed at the opponent’s nose.

Reference kata: Anan, Seisan

NUKI-TE

throat grab

In kata, this technique is often shown as a variation of a palm strike.

Tips: Instead of the throat, you can also grab the opponent’s hair or ear, or press your thumb beneath the chin.

Reference kata: Anan, Seisan and Kushanku

KOMA NAGE

elbow lock

Gichin Funakoshi used the name “koma nage” in his book “Karate-do Kyohan”. A similar drawing also appears in Bubishi.

Koma nage can be used as a response to a wrist grab, or as a very effective control technique after a sudden punch or kick.

Tips: Grip the opponent’s clothing rather than simply pressing against it. This gives you a more secure hold.

Reference kata: Anan, Passai, Kushanku

KUBIWA

head-manipulation takedown

Gichin Funakoshi called this technique “kubiwa”, meaning “around the neck”. A similar drawing also appears in Bubishi.

Kubiwa is easy to learn and is a logical choice when you deflect the opponent’s kick or punch to the outside.

Tips: Grab the opponent’s hair and press the nose with your palm while attacking the eyes with your fingers.

In kata, this technique often appears as pulling both fists back to the hip. For example, in Kushanku (Kanku), the simultaneous mae geri / uraken is followed by an elbow strike and then a forceful pull of the fists to the hip.

Reference kata: Passai, Kushanku

SAKUTSACHI

downward-striking takedown

Gichin Funakoshi called this technique “sakutsachi”, meaning “to strike downward”. A similar drawing also appears in Bubishi.

This technique requires considerable strength. The throw can be used to escape from a hold.

Tips: Reach your arm as deeply as possible between the opponent’s legs. Try to grip the belt from behind.

Reference kata: Kushanku

KATAWAGURUMA

“great wheel”

In “Karate-do Kyohan”, this technique is called katawaguruma, and I assume that the name comes from Japan.

This technique also requires considerable strength. The throw is most suitable when the opponent tries to push you, choke you or grapple with you.

Tips: Pressing against the groin with your hand will make the opponent much easier to lift.

Reference kata: Kushanku, Anan

YORIDAMA

leg-holding throw

In “Karate-do Kyohan”, this technique is called yoridama, but unfortunately it is demonstrated completely incorrectly in the book.

Yoridama is used to defend against a kick. Catch the leg with one hand and deflect the opponent’s punch with the other. This technique also appears in the ancient manuscript Bubishi. Yoridama and the yamauke throw in Passai are very similar techniques.

Tips: Do not try to sweep the opponent’s leg as in the sport karate version. Instead, turn quickly counterclockwise with your rear leg. This throws the opponent onto the head.

Reference kata: Passai

TANI OTOSHI

shoulder throw

Tani otoshi is one of the best-known throws in judo. An illustration of this technique appears in both “Karate-do Kyohan” and Bubishi.

This throw is best used when the opponent is behind you trying to choke you, or is in front of you holding your hair, neck or sleeves.

Tips: You can throw the opponent in several ways — over your shoulder, over your hips, or simply by pulling them over your legs.

Reference kata: Passai

SHIME

choke hold

I have experienced this hold at several seminars with Okinawan teachers. You can apply it from behind the opponent or from the side. Always deliver a sudden strike before attempting the choke.

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

Reference kata: Passai