August 21st , 2016

This week's thought is from Sensei Daniel Gobillot
Denshi, Shihan, Shichi-Dan Northampton Ueshiro Karate Dojo

Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA

Kosa & Hasami Uke

Jodan kosa uke, “upper cross block” first appears in our Shorin-Ryu kata curriculum through kata Wankan. We are introduced to the lower blocking version "gedan kosa uke" in Pinan Godan.
These techniques are a very aggressive type of “catching” or “trapping” blocks or possibly a strike. By “catching” I refer to the gathering way that the technique is delivered. It is used to control
many different types of attacks. This body movement can trap an erratic punch or a swinging strike as well controlling a weapon of your attacker. I consider it aggressive because it is
often delivered either jodan or gedan and from zenkutsu dachi, moving forward. The bun-kai application is the scissoring of the attack and clearing and opening for a counter attack.

Chudan hasami-uke, “middle scissors block” is similar to jodan kosa uke, however I believe it can be more manipulative in controlling your teki, or your opponent, either empty handed or armed. This technique begins as
a more defensive response to danger by shifting back into neko-ashi-dachi with crossed open shuto hands. Again, you catch (gather up) the attack and twist clearing an opening as you chamber to deliver
the final blow.

Explore these techniques with a training partner to feel how the control and manipulation of teki is achieved.

Domo arigato gozaimasu,

Daniel Gobillot
Denshi, Shihan, Shichi-Dan

Northampton Ueshiro Karate dojo