Post by ruestir on Aug 25, 2014 19:32:56 GMT
I'm going to attempt to articulate my thoughts on the approximate last half of the Heian Sandan kata. I haven't had a chance to try this on a live opponent yet, so this could be completely daft. That being said, I tried to at least be pragmatic in my thought process and apply Elmar's bunai rules as follows.
...and restated more explicitly...
The reason I picked Heian Sandan is because it has, in my mind, the strangest assortment of stances and techniques after the first two Heian kata. Admittedly this kata in particular has always puzzled me. Where the applications in other kata, both before and after, seemed to have some relatively straight forward applications the last half of H3 defied this.
Sequence description:
The conundrum begins with what I've lovingly referred to as the "cheerleader pose", standing straight with both fists resting on their respective hips. From there right stomping(or crescent kick stomping) into kiba dachi, followed with a right elbow strike and subsequent right back fist strike. Repeat the same with the left and right. Make a big sweeping motion with a vertical knife hand strike and then execute a left stepping lunge punch. Bring the right foot up to the left and turn 180 degrees into kiba dachi executing a left elbow strike to the rear with a right punch over the left shoulder. Shift to the right this time with a right elbow strike to the rear and a left punch over the right shoulder.
So, after months of being told that kata should be done at exactly the same height through out its entirety, we're suddenly told there is now a kata where you stand straight up. That smiley does accurately reflect my initial feelings upon being taught this bit of news as a lowly nanakyu. I don't know, or don't remember more likely, if I was ever taught any kind of application for this kata when I first learned it back in 1993. I digress.
Applications:
It seems likely to me, given the posture and first subsequent move, that this is designed to help you deal with being attacked by either a grab around the waste or a bear hug from behind. I'm going to assume a bear hug type attack that attempts to trap the arms as well. Enter "cheerleader pose". Now, depending on if you're able to get your fists to your hips before the attacker can lock his hands together or you may have to do some kind of loosening technique like a stamp to the instep, your arms will now be wedged up making it very difficult for the attacker to complete the hug although they may still have their arms around you only now much higher up.
Even though it's not explicitly stated you must grab the attackers right hand or wrist(I would recommend grabbing the meaty part around the thumb placing your thumb into the back of their hand between the middle and ring finger knuckles.) and pull it towards your left hip as you step forward into kiba dachi throwing the right elbow forward as the foot stomps the floor. This will have the effect of at least taking their balance and hopefully throwing them to the ground. If the throw fails, then their balance should be shifted enough so they are now more to your right side or even a bit in front of you so you can execute the right backfist strike to any available target. Ideally the bridge of the nose, temple or eyes. I'm going to ignore the repeats of this movements as I believe it's just a reminder to practice the techniques on both sides.
The right hand now moves under the trapped arm of the opponent to apply an arm bar. Stepping in for a finishing blow. That failing grabbing the head and turning to wring the neck. Twice if necessary.
Again, this is just what I was musing as I practiced this kata the other day. I'd appreciate any other thoughts and insights.
- Each movement/position must do something useful to the opponent from the defender's point of view.
- No opponent may be left in a condition to continue or resume an attack.
- There must be a safety margin in case of the failure of any technique to have full effect.
...and restated more explicitly...
- Damage the incoming limb(s) while avoiding the main vector of the attacker.
- Keep control of the opponent by using offbalancing movements and remain physically attached.
- As far as possible, always have both hands engaged with the opponent.
- Move away from or interdict any remaining threatening limb(s).
- Have a backup and/or a continuation available if any techniques fails.
- Escalate defense combinations with progressively more damaging counters that move inward towards the opponent's body.
The reason I picked Heian Sandan is because it has, in my mind, the strangest assortment of stances and techniques after the first two Heian kata. Admittedly this kata in particular has always puzzled me. Where the applications in other kata, both before and after, seemed to have some relatively straight forward applications the last half of H3 defied this.
Sequence description:
The conundrum begins with what I've lovingly referred to as the "cheerleader pose", standing straight with both fists resting on their respective hips. From there right stomping(or crescent kick stomping) into kiba dachi, followed with a right elbow strike and subsequent right back fist strike. Repeat the same with the left and right. Make a big sweeping motion with a vertical knife hand strike and then execute a left stepping lunge punch. Bring the right foot up to the left and turn 180 degrees into kiba dachi executing a left elbow strike to the rear with a right punch over the left shoulder. Shift to the right this time with a right elbow strike to the rear and a left punch over the right shoulder.
So, after months of being told that kata should be done at exactly the same height through out its entirety, we're suddenly told there is now a kata where you stand straight up. That smiley does accurately reflect my initial feelings upon being taught this bit of news as a lowly nanakyu. I don't know, or don't remember more likely, if I was ever taught any kind of application for this kata when I first learned it back in 1993. I digress.
Applications:
It seems likely to me, given the posture and first subsequent move, that this is designed to help you deal with being attacked by either a grab around the waste or a bear hug from behind. I'm going to assume a bear hug type attack that attempts to trap the arms as well. Enter "cheerleader pose". Now, depending on if you're able to get your fists to your hips before the attacker can lock his hands together or you may have to do some kind of loosening technique like a stamp to the instep, your arms will now be wedged up making it very difficult for the attacker to complete the hug although they may still have their arms around you only now much higher up.
Even though it's not explicitly stated you must grab the attackers right hand or wrist(I would recommend grabbing the meaty part around the thumb placing your thumb into the back of their hand between the middle and ring finger knuckles.) and pull it towards your left hip as you step forward into kiba dachi throwing the right elbow forward as the foot stomps the floor. This will have the effect of at least taking their balance and hopefully throwing them to the ground. If the throw fails, then their balance should be shifted enough so they are now more to your right side or even a bit in front of you so you can execute the right backfist strike to any available target. Ideally the bridge of the nose, temple or eyes. I'm going to ignore the repeats of this movements as I believe it's just a reminder to practice the techniques on both sides.
The right hand now moves under the trapped arm of the opponent to apply an arm bar. Stepping in for a finishing blow. That failing grabbing the head and turning to wring the neck. Twice if necessary.
Again, this is just what I was musing as I practiced this kata the other day. I'd appreciate any other thoughts and insights.