Gyokko Ryu Kihon

Footwork (Taijutsu)

Body-Escapes (Tai Hodoki)

The opponent stands behind the defender and wraps both arms around his body in a Bar Choke (Kannuki Jime). The defender must do three things simultaneously the instant he feels the opponent's arms around him: the defender squats straight down bringing his rear into the opponent's stomach; his head slams back with a rear headbutt (Zu Tsuki) into the opponent's mouth; and, his arms quickly raise up at his sides so they are level with his shoulders (the position kind of looks like a weird version of the chicken dance). The defender's hands should cover the opponent's hands after breaking the lock.

Destroying the Fist (Ken Kudaki)

The opponent and defender are in Flat Stance (Hira no Kamae). The opponent steps forward with his right foot and strikes at a higher-level (Jodan Tsuki). The defender steps back with his right foot beginning at the hip (Gaeshi) and receives with his left fist (Fudo Ken) in a circular motion. The instant the defender's fist makes contact with the opponent's forearm (Nagare), the defender strikes with his right hand into the opponent's forearm near the elbow with an inner sword-hand strike (Ura Shuto Ken) directed upwards. While the defender is circling his left fist in Uke Nagashi, he should also be striking with his right hand so that the rhythm of the two strikes is a quick 1-2. There should be no pause or breath between the strikes, just rapid succession. The left fist should still be in place against the arm when the sword-hand strike (Shuto Ken) lands. The defender could also strike with a downward motion using the shuto ken depending on his objective. The defender can use different targets on the opponent's arm as well such as the wrist (Kote) and forearm (Nagare), and the forearm (Nagare) and innner elbow (Hoshi). The most important thing is that the distance between the two strikes is small.

The opponent and defender are in Flat Stance (Hira no Kamae). The opponent steps forward with his right foot and strikes at a higher-level (Jodan Tsuki). The defender steps back with his right foot beginning at the hip (Gaeshi) and receives with his left fist (Fudo Ken) in a circular motion. The instant the defender's fist makes contact with the opponent's forearm (Nagare), the defender punches (Nagaru) with his right fist (Fudo Ken) into the opponent's inner elbow (Hoshi). The rhythm should be a rapid succession without any pause between the strikes.

Destroying the Leg (Keri Kudaki)

Countering with a Kick (Keri Kaeshi): The defender and opponent begin in left Number-One Stance (Ichimonji no Kamae). The opponent attacks with a right kick (Zenpo Geri). The defender steps to the left and slightly back with the left foot and kicks up into the underside of the opponent's leg just above the back of the knee (Kobura).

The defender and opponent begin in left Number-One Stance (Ichimonji no Kamae). The opponent attacks with a right kick (Zenpo Geri). The defender steps to the right and slightly back with his right foot and receives at a lower-level (Gedan Uke) with his left forearm. Immediately, the defender punches (Nagaru) with his right fist (Fudo Ken) into the side of the opponent's knee. The Gedan Uke and strike should be done in rapid succession with a similar feel to Ken Kudaki.

The defender and opponent begin in left Number-One Stance (Ichimonji no Kamae). The opponent attacks with a right kick (Zenpo Geri). The defender steps to the left and slightly back with his left foot and circles his right knee over to the left and back across to the right making contact with the outside of the opponent's leg (preferably upper leg) and knocking it to the right.

Number-Ten Walking (Juji Aruki)

The defender steps his right foot across to the left side of his body crossing his legs in an 'X'. Number-Ten Walking (Juji Aruki) is similar to Cross-Stepping (Yoko Aruki) from Koto Ryu in that one foot is crossed in front of the other. However, Number-Ten Walking (Juji Aruki) in Gyokko Ryu keeps the lead foot perpendicular to the rear foot whereas the feet during Cross-Stepping (Yoko Aruki) in Koto Ryu are parallel. So, if the right foot is in front of the left, then the right toes would point to the right.

Reversing (Gaeshi)

Reversing (Gaeshi) is the way in which the defender begins his movement usually from Flat Stance (Hira no Kamae). Any time the defender begins to move from the hips it is considered Gaeshi. To practice, the defender stands in Flat Stance (Hira no Kamae) and begins to move from the right hip, by bending/ twisting in slightly. He uses this slight motion to generate momentum which he will use to bring his right leg back. The defender steps back with his right foot with a feeling of dropping/ falling back at a forty-five degree angle. The left foot will move back slightly following the right, so the defender now stands in left Number-One Stance (Ichimonji no Kamae). During the entire movement, the defender remains on the balls of his feet and must keep his legs active and easily able to move quickly. When he 'drops' back, his legs should still be active instead of rigid and unable to move.

Empty Space (Kukan)

Empty space goes far beyond simply correct distancing between the defender and opponent. Empty space can be used both as a weapon (Buki) and a shield (Totoku). By utilizing empty space between him and the opponent, the defender can create an invisible barrier where the opponent cannot attack. Furthermore, by suddenly creating an empty space during a technique, the defender can create a place in which the opponent will fall.

Shielding (Totoku)

Totoku is not a set movement, but rather a principle applied within forms and movement. During a technique, the defender uses a body part, an object, or an empty space to act as a shield between himself and the opponent. The totoku is not always a physical barrier but can also be a mental one - something that prevent the opponent from attacking

Mole Forms (Moguri Gata)

Moguri Gata is movement involving tunneling under an opponent like a mole. Generally this involves using a lowered position or even dropping onto one knee.

 

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