Koto Ryu Tsuki
Stabbing with the Fist (Tsuki)
Stabbing/ thrusting is the fundamental attack in Koto Ryu. As opposed to a snappy punch, stabbing is a full body attack utilizing the fist like a battering ram to topple opponents and drive them back. The style of attack is more effective against armored opponents than a quick jab. For all of these, unless otherwise stated, it is assumed the defender is in Left Correct-Eyes Stance (Hidari Seigan no Kamae) and is striking with the right hand or right side of the body and receiving with the left.
To practice these, one should be familiar with the following:
Higher-Level Thrust (Jodan Tsuki)
The defender begins in left Correct-Insight Stance (Hidari Seigan no Kamae), steps forward with his right foot, and thrusts his fist (Fudo Ken) forward, putting his body weight behind it. The defender's arm fully extends like he is driving and pushing through the opponent. Unlike a western style punch where the hand is palm down, the jodan tsuki is performed with the palm of the hand facing to the side. When striking, the defender should have his hips turned slightly in toward the opponent so the center of his core (Hara) is directed into the opponent. The defender retracts his arm after making impact, and he assumes a stance (Kamae). Even though the jodan tsuki is retracted, it does not have the quick snappy feel of a western style punch. The Jodan Tsuki is called a stab because it retains the same feeling, rhythm, and timing as stabbing with a spear or katana. Jodan refers to striking at the uppermost part of the body such as the face, head, and throat. The advantage of the Jodan Tsuki is its ability to destroy an opponent's balance and its effectiveness against armor. The Jodan Tuski can also be done with a hooking motion.
Lower-Level Thrust (Gedan Tsuki)
The defender begins in left Correct-Insight Stance (Hidari Seigan no Kamae), steps forward with his right foot, and thrusts his fist (Fudo Ken) forward, putting his body weight behind it. Unlike with Jodan Tsuki, the target is the opponent's torso such as the solar plexus, sternum, and ribs.
Stab Training (Tsuki Tanren)
The following is an example of a two person movement form to practice striking with Fudo Ken while using footwork common to Koto Ryu. The defender begins in Natural Stance (Shizen no Kamae) and the opponent attacks (Jodan Tsuki) at a higher level. The defender evades by crossing his right foot over his left (Yoko Aruki), stepping slightly forward at a diagonal to the left. At the same time he evades the attack, he strikes simultaneously with his left and right fist - the left fist strikes high into the opponent's jaw (Tsuyugasumi) and the right fist strikes low into the opponent's ribs below the chest (Butsumetsu). As the defender uncrosses his legs and steps forward with the right foot he punches (Nagaru) upwards with the right fist (Nio Ken). The defender immediately swings his right leg back around to the right, pivoting on his left foot, and drives (Jodan Tsuki) his left fist (Fudo Ken) into the back of the opponent's jawline (Kirigasumi).
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