武神館忍術

We started class with the usual routine of stretches and sit-ups. We also did a drill where you would squat and then kick your partner in the inner hip area.

Doug then called each pair to demonstrate いちもんじのかた (ichimonji no kata) and had us practice that for a bit with the うけ (uke) working on receiving the strike. Then we worked on having the うけ (uke) move with the とり (tori) to strike the face as they deliver their おもてしゅと (omote shuto). We practiced this with a はっぱけん (happa ken) and a ふどけん (fudo ken). The movement here was described as coming from Gyokko Ryu.

Next we worked on evading and countering multiple punches. We received to the inside and struck with おもてしゅとけん (omote shuto ken) making sure to move off at angles. Then we did the same thing with うらしゅとけん (ura shuto ken) counter strikes.

Doug then switched gears by doing basically the same thing on the ground. With the うけ (uke) on top punching down at you cover/dodge and strike back. When the timing is right roll the うけ (uke) to one side continuing to deliver strikes or disengaging. The point here was not to roll so much that the positions were reversed.

After that we were back on our feet and working on a Koto Ryu kata. The うけ (uke) attacks with a じょだんつき (jodan tsuki) and you receive to the inside, strike the side of the face and kick the groin at the same time with the opposite hand and foot, then strike upward to the face with a はっぱけん (happa ken) with the same hand that received the initial attack.

Next we did a variation on this from くみうち (kumiuchi). On the side that the lapel is grabbed raise that hand up to grab the opponent’s collar/lapel as if to choke. Pull the うけ (uke) down as your other hand strikes upward to the face and you kick to the groin. Finish with a はっぱけん (happa ken) strike to the face.

The last technique was from an attempted hip throw. As the opponent moves to throw step around some in the same direction and strike down against the うけの (uke’s) arm that is holding your sleeve. Immediately bounce that strike to the face and kick the inside of the leg nearest you with your heel. Finish again with a はっぱけん (happa ken) with the other hand.

Even though I’m a bit rusty it was a good time.

がんばってください！