By James Italico Rodriguez, Kanchō

Kote Mawashi (turning the wrist) done in numerous ways. Truly an amazing variety of ways to do the same technique. We practiced the basics. Found the form and applied it against any attack imaginable and some not so imaginable. But they all worked. That was our charge, to create the right form, then apply it.

We learned the best way to do kote mawashi is to NOT cause pain. WHAT???!!! Yes, think about it, causing pain results in an immediate reaction. It is either retribution (hit, kick) or an attempt to escape (pulling, turning) to get away.

What if you apply the techniques but Uke doesn’t feel any pain? What does Uke do? He complies, because to try to move to hit or escape causes pain; self-inflicted pain. Gotta love it!

Is the twist toward Uke? Are the fingers twisted too? On what plane does the hand and fingers rotate? Same? Different? Now we know. If you aren’t sure, its because you missed this opportunity to find out and it defies rational thought.

Sunday was all about Tenshin Ryu Kenjutsu. Kote giri, the basics, but deeper than ever. Gekken!

Instruction on the basics of Kote giri.

Kumi-tachi - kote giri applied...

Finishing the technique correctly

GEKKEN!