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Koto Ryu Atemi no Tanren

Strike Training (Atemi no Tanren)

Atemi no Tanren involves striking hard targets in order to strengthen the bones, learn proper form, and improve accuracy. Strike Training is traditionally done against a tree or pillar wrapped in animal skins or cloth filled with straw. The size of the target was meant to be about the same thickness as a human body. The defender should visualize striking into vital points like the neck, ribs, and legs when using a target.

To practice these, one should be familiar with the following:

First (Hitotsu)

The defender begins in Correct-Insight Stance (Seigan no Kamae). He then steps forward and thrusts with his thumb (Boshi Ken) into the target. The defender steps back and assumes Correct-Insight Stance (Seigan no Kamae). This should be practiced on both sides with both thumbs.

The defender starts in Left Correct-Insight Stance (Hidari Seigan no Kamae). The defender cross-steps (Yoko Aruki with the right foot over the left) and strikes with a left thumb strike (Boshi Ken) as the left foot steps out. The left foot steps back and the defender does a right thumb strike (Boshi Ken). The defender can then start over by stepping forward and doing another thumb strike (Boshi Ken) then stepping back, doing another, and so on.

Second (Futatsu)

The defender starts in Correct-Insight Stance (Seigan no Kamae). He then steps forward and thrusts with his thumb knuckle (Koppo Ken). The defender steps back and assumes Correct-Insight Stance (Seigan no Kamae). This should be practiced on both sides with both thumbs.

Third (Mittsu)

The defender starts in Surrounding Stance (Hoko no Kamae) with the left foot forward. As he steps forward, he does a right Five-Finger Strike (Goshin Ken). He then steps back and does a left Five-Finger Strike (Goshin Ken). The defender continues to do strikes as he steps forward and steps back. When practicing striking with the fingers wide like this it is called Shiten Hakko no Issen.

The defender starts in Surrounding Stance (Hoko no Kamae) with the left foot forward. As he steps forward, he does a right claw strike (Shako Ken). He then steps back and does a left claw strike (Shako Ken). The defender continues to do strikes as he steps forward and steps back.

Fourth (Yottsu)

The defender starts in Left Correct-Insight Stance (Hidari Seigan no Kamae). The defender steps forward with his right foot and strikes with a right Double-Fingertip Strike (Ryoshitan Ken). The defender steps back and assumes Correct-Insight Stance (Seigan no Kamae). This should be practiced on both sides with both hands.

Fifth (Itsutsu)

The defender starts in Left Correct-Insight Stance (Hidari Seigan no Kamae). The defender steps forward with his right foot and strikes with a right Three-Fingertip Strike (Sanshitan Ken). The defender steps back and assumes Correct-Insight Stance (Seigan no Kamae). This should be practiced on both sides with both hands.

From Left Correct-Insight Stance (Hidari Seigan no Kamae), the defender jabs the target with a three-finger strike (Sanshitan Ken) without moving his feet. He then repeats.

From Left Correct-Insight Stance (Hidari Seigan no Kamae), the defender jabs with a right three-finger strike (Sanshitan Ken) without moving his feet. The defender then does either another three-finger strike or an inverted-heel kick (Sokugyaku Geri) followed by the attack that wasn't chosen. Basically, the defender does a combination of three finger strikes and kicks. The key purpose is to develop a good rhythm for strikes and to learn fluidity.

Sixth (Muttsu)

The defender starts in Left Correct-Insight Stance (Hidari Seigan no Kamae). The defender steps forward with his right foot and strikes with a right Higher-Level Thrust (Jodan Tsuki), Outer Sword-Hand Strike (Omote Shuto Ken), or Inner-Sword Hand Strike (Ura Shuto Ken). The defender steps back and assumes Correct-Insight Stance (Seigan no Kamae). This should be practiced on both sides with both hands.

The defender starts in Correct-Insight Stance (Seigan no Kamae). He then steps forward and thrusts (Jodan Tsuki with Fudo Ken) - in Koto Ryu the thumb is kept on top of the fist. The defender steps back into Correct-Insight Stance (Seigan no Kamae). This should be practiced on both sides with both fists.

The defender starts in Correct-Insight Stance (Seigan no Kamae). He then steps forward and thrusts (Jodan Tsuki) with his right fist. Without switching his feet around, the defender does an elbow strike (Shuki Ken) and then an inner sword-hand strike (Ura Shuto Ken) all with his right arm. The defender steps back and repeats. This should be practiced on both sides with both arms.

Seventh (Nanatsu)

The defender should practice striking while visualizing the attack. The exact strike doesn't matter, but when striking the opponent's face the defender should imagine aiming for a spot about an inch above the eyelashes.

The defender steps forward with the right foot and does a head butt (Kikaku Ken). The left leg comes up and the defender does an inverted-heel kick (Sokuyaku Geri) at chest height on the left side of the target. The left leg steps back and then the right so that the defender can repeat.

Eighth (Yatsu)

The defender should practice kicking with various parts of his legs, feet, and knees. Therefore, the defender should practice kicking the target with the shin (Gedan Keri), the ball of the foot (Sokuyaku Geri), and the toes (Sokugyaku Geri). The defender should visualize striking specific targets when training these kicks. When striking with the toes, it is important for the defender to use the correct form so he can kick hard and utilize Knocking-Down Methods of the Bones (Koppotou).

The defender launches himself into the air and does a jumping kick (Tobi Geri) at chest height with the right, left, or even both feet (Ryo Tobi Sokuyaku Geri). If he loses his balance on the way down, the defender can do a back roll (Koho Kaiten).

 

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