Yume Dojo

Glendale, Arizona

Yume Dojo

Shizenryu Jutsu

Jujutsu Arts

• Goshin Budo Jujutsu

• Torite Jutsu

• Hawaiian Jujutsu

• Sanuces ryu Jujutsu

• Sambo

Kempo Arts

• Hawaiian Kempo Jutsu

• Okinawan Kempo(Shitoryu Karate)

• Shorinji Kempo

• Eagle Claw Chin Na

Shizenryu Jutsu

Welcome to the Yume Dojo

Martial Movements Page

This page is a New Addition to the Yume Dojo Web Site. We are very excited to add this page to the web site. The page will deal with Martial Movements. These are usually found in Forms or Kata but can also be isolated in Movements of technique. Many times one Movement can have several definitions or can be interpreted as something else. This page will focus not on techniques but rather look at Movement and see how it can be defined or interpreted. We hope people will find this interesting and useful, but mostly a different way to look at your training.

The one thing all Martial Arts systems have in common is Movement. All styles and arts have Movement, what differs is the way the Movement is defined, interpreted, and applied. In most systems, these Movements are studied in the form of Forms/Kata. A Kata is nothing more than a series of Movements. These Movements can be isolated and studied independently. Also, components of techniques can also be studied this way. This page is going to focus on the Independent Movement which is seen in Forms/Kata and technique. In some systems, like American Kenpo, Movements are pre-defined. What this means is that the Movements are set and related to technique. In Okinawan Karate, the Movements are subjective, or open for definition and interpretation. There is a Principle which states: "A Block is a Lock is a Blow is a Throw". What this means, is there is more than one definition for a block. This is not just confined to blocks but in other Movements as well. The definition one applies will be based on their experiences, their knowledge and their prejudices. So if someone does not know any throws, they can not see this in their Forms/Kata. Also prejudice can play a role in how one sees Movement. Many people do not see the worth of Forms/Kata and don't see beyond something for a test or idle Movements, they will not be able to see what is within these Forms or Kata.

     The process that is employed at Yume Dojo is this:

• Definition
• Application
• Interpretation

What this means is each Movement is viewed this way. First the Movement is defined, i.e. block, strike etc. Then this Movement is demonstrated in terms of that definition. So if a Movement is defined as a block, a block is demonstrated. If the Movement is shown as a release, a release is demonstrated. Many times the function may differ from the form or one has a different version or variation of the defined Movement, an interpretation is shown. A great example of this is how one sees Movement. Lets look at a Upper Cross Block as shown in the photo on the left. This is nothing more than a basic cross block. Depending on ones background, one ccould see a Cross Gi Choke in that same Movement. The choke is shown in the photo on the right. Notice the hand posture of the choke and you will see the same Movement as the Cross Block. However if one does not have a Cross Gi Choke it is hard to see the application of this Movement. However, one may have not only the choke but variations of the choke. In the photo on the left, a variation of the Cross Gi Choke is shown. This Movement can be interpreted as the same Cross Block Movement. This is the interpretation phase of the process. It is important to stress that we are not saying that Cross Block IS a choke or that the intention of the Movement IS a choke, rather that this Movement can be defined as a choke and demonstrated as such. So the message here is the Movement can be viewed differently, and is AN answer, not The answer. We will start looking at Independent Movement or isolated Movements and their definition, application and interpretations. We hope you will find this interesting and helpful.

               Shuto Uke

The first Movement we will look at is called Shuto Uke. Notice in both the photos above how one hand is extended and the other is placed at the Psolar Plexus in the middle of the chest. The Movement of both hands has meaning, each performing their own function. Notice the stance being used, this is a "Cat Stance" or Neko Ashi Dachi. This stance call be inter-changed with others, however this stance is the stance we will look at because of all the applications that can be used. Initially this Movement can be defined as a block. The hand at the chest will perform a parry and the extended hand performs a block to a strike. This is the basic version of this Movement. The "Cat Stance" can also have an applications, such as stepping on the attacker lead leg (it is a bit hard to see but the photo on the right is showing the foot being stepped on) to prevent the attacker from moving or a Shin Kick to stop the attackers momentum. Since the parry moves the strike (See photo on the right), the extended hand can then perform a strike to the bicep, collarbone or neck instead of the basic block (see photo on the left). In this case, the Movement is defined as a strike versus a block. Also the hand at the chest can be seen as pulling the attacker into the strike. This is a basic definition of the Movement, but there are others.

     It is important to remember that we are discussing Movement, not technique. So its the Movement that is being defined not the technique. The technique is used to 'explain' the Movement. In the photo on the left, the Movement is being defined as a wrist lock. Notice the similarities in the Movement of the lock and the previous Movements. In this lock, the right hand represents the hand at the chest, the left hand represents the extended hand. For this lock, the right hand is twisting the attackers wrist to the outside and pulling the attackers hand toward the body. The left hand is cutting the wrist/forearm down and pushing the attackers wrist away from the body. So in this case the technique is not only explaining Movement but also explaining Principle, the Principle of Push/Pull. So here the student not only learns about the study of Movement, but also Bunkai or Application of Form/Kata and also Principles inherent in the technique. This way the technique is used as a vehicle to understand the components, the Movements and the Principles of this explanation of Movement.

Another explanation for this Movement is a Choke. Once again the Movement of what is being done is what is important. In this case, the Movement is being defined as a choke. Again the Movements are similar, however the application of the Movement is different. Here, the right hand or the hand at the chest in the block, is grabbing the Gi (or whatever the attacker may be wearing, coat, shirt etc) and pulling the attacker in close. The left hand in this case, is pushing  the hand across the attackers carotid artery in the neck. Looking at both these techniques, the lock and the choke, the hands are doing exactly the same thing, only to a different part of the body. In the lock, the wrist is what is being effected. In the choke the neck, or blood supply to the head is being effected. Either way, the Movements are all the same. To review or sum up, this Movement has been defined as the following:

•  a block
•  a strike
•  a lock
•  a choke

There are other explanations as well, this is the only a couple of definitions that can explain the Movement of Shuto Uke and show the applications of this Movement. There are also other variations of these techniques, and also different interpretations as well. Now for the next Movement.

Pinon Shodan Kata

This Movement is taken from an Okinawan Kata/Form called Pinon Shodan which is a beginning kata/form in the Yume Dojo curriculum. Remember that the Movements in Okinawa Katas are subjective, that is, "open for interpretation". The Movements are NOT set neither are the attacks, so its a study of Movement, not of technique. The photos above represent the first step in the kata/form and will be discussed.

Lets start with what the Movement basically resembles. The obvious answer is the Movement looks like an outward block. So this Movement can be defined as a block. Also the Movement can be defined as a strike. Notice the position of the hand, the is a basic upper cut or in Karate a short punch position as shown in the photo on the left. The strike can attack the upper ribs or as in the photo under the arm. This strikes short circuits the body response and temporarily paralyzes the arm. This is just one example of an application of this Movement. The secondary hand or retracting hand is very important. In this Movement, the right hand is the secondary hand. This would be responsible for pulling the attacker into the punch. In any form, you will notice the retracting hand. This is not just idle Movement, the retracting hand can have many applications. For this Movement, the secondary hand is pulling the attacker in to the punch and also can attack pressure points in the wrist. The Photo on the right shows a good example of the grip and how the pressure points can be applied. Also, the target of the uppercut/short punch can change, such as to the chin/jaw instead of ribs/underarm. This definition can also be applied to a chest or someone grabbing the throat. If the attack is a chest grab, the Movement can then be defined as a release. Now lets look at the second Movement in this kata/form. In the photo on the left you will see the next step in the kata/form. Before we link the two Movements together, lets define this Movement. The lead hand is in a Hammerfist position. One of the targets here is very important. This strike can be directed at the Liver, Shown in the photo on the right. A Liver strike can drop an attacker very quickly and many a boxer has been unable to continue after a Liver shot. A quick note here. In Shizenryu, not only are the Movements defined, applied, and interpreted but also Jissen is applied. Jissen is a Japanese referring to 'streetwise' techniques. So in Shizenryu there is an effort made to make all Movements or as many as possible self-defense worthy or street worthy. So here the principle of form vs. function  is applied. Not always will the Movement take the form of the Movement when applying Jissen. Many times a Movement must be adapted to a self defense scenario or have the Movement altered to make sure it works in a self defense situation. So there is the form of the Movement and the function of the Movement, and in some cases they may differ. Now back to this second Movement. In the photo above right, notice the where the hand is positioned. This can now be defined as a throw, where the belt is grabbed and pulled and the attackers face is pushed to the rear where the attacker will fall to the rear.  Another version is shown in the photo on the left. Here the function is a bit different than the form. The attackers arm is barred across the center of the body. This is know as Hara Katame, or Center Lock. The attacker is then swept to the rear, landing in an arm bar. This is a good example of how there are ground work (Ne Waza) in Kata/Form. In the photo below, left is another variation of this technique and another application of the Movement. This is a good example of the retracting hand as you can see the arm is wrapped up by the retracting hand so here there is a definition for the retracting hand as well. This technique varies from the form a bit, but here the focus of the Movement is Jissen, or self defense worthy technique. Notice the strike to the neck/side of the head. This then becomes a throw as the attacker is take to the rear with the arm wrapped (Ude Garami) for a lock to be applied on the ground. These are just a few examples of how a kata/form can teach many:

•  definitions

•  applications

•  interpretations

•  principles

•  form versus function

This is the approach or process that is used at Yume Dojo in studying Movement and the Application/Bunkai of Kata and Forms.

Pinon Sandan Kata

This Movement is taken from an Okinawan Kata/Form called Pinon Sandan which is an intermediate kata/form in the Yume Dojo curriculum. The Movement shown is in other katas as well. We will now start to link and define the Movements.

This Movement could be defined as a pari to a strike and a ridge hand to someone's groin, as shown in the photo on the right. This Movement could also be defined as a takedown, where the striking hand could grab the inside of the knee/leg and a single leg could be done. Remember its the Movement that is being defined. For this explanation, the definition of the Movement is a ridge hand groin strike.

          Photo #1                                      Photo #2                                 Photo #3

In the Photo #1, the ridge hand attack is stopped by grabbing the strike.  A note here, another definition could have changed the attack to a cross wrist grab and as one can see, its the same Movement. Whatever the attack, the counter is to put the hand behind the back (Photo #2). This can serve two purposes: One is a release where one basically spins out of the wrist grab. The other or second option is to set up an Arm Bar (Photo #3) or a Wrist Lock can also be obtained. Notice the Tai Sabaki or body position in order to set up the Arm Bar. The spin is counter-clockwise to the attacker and the spin is actually an 'entering' Movement to the attacker. The Arm Bar shown in Photo #3 can be defined as a punch being thrown under the attackers arm which would create a break another definition of this Movement.

To finish the Movement in the Kata/Form, a punch s done to the attacker. Remember in the previous Photo (Photo #3) a punch is done to the attackers arm. In this case, the punch has been relocated to the attackers face. Also note that there is no longer a grab, so this Movement can be defined as a release. The most important thing to take away here is that the explanation of the Movement (Bunkai) is dependent on the definition attached to the Movement. Also remember as long as the punch is done centerline, the target can be changed as well. So to understand Movement, target area, attack and definition all play a vital role to understand the purpose of the Movement.

Salutation

My Sensei once told me that "Every Movement has a meaning, no matter what it is". I always felt he was referring to Kata/Forms. However every Movement made has some meaning whether it be spiritual or physical. The Movement shown above is commonly referred to as the hand of the Warrior/Scholar. However, this Movement much like Buddha's Hand (Buddha's hand is similar to the Warrior Scholar position with out the fist, just the open palm facing to the side) has physical as well as spiritual meaning. Below are two examples of the Movement of the Warrior/Scholar.

The first definition of this Movement is a strike. The hand that covers the fist bases the face and the fist strikes the face. The strike can be a basic punch or can also be done with the knuckles to rib the skin a bit more. This is a very basic explanation, however can be an effective tool in self defense situations. If the attack was a throat grab, this technique can be done to the body to get the attacker to release the choke. In this case, the Movement can be defined as both a strike and a release. A more advanced application is a palm strike to the face with the open hand and a punch/hook to the face. This way, two way action is applied and the strike is even more effective.

The second definition of the Movement is done as a lock. Based on a wrist grab, this Movement is seen many times in Kata/forms in varying Movements. Notice that the hand position is the same as the basic Salutation hand position. The open hand traps the attackers grab, the fist is rotated over the attackers wrist and applied down. This is also a basic lock in the Aiki and Jujutsu arts. It is merely one application and an interpretation as seen by the Sensei of Yume Dojo. It is important to remember, that if one does not have the lock in their system, they may not be able to see this application. Once again, as my Sensei, Soke John Simmons stated, "Everything is Karate if you have empty hands "(no weapons). Therefore there are throws, locks, sweeps, takedowns, chokes, and breaks in Karate but one must have these in their arsenal to see them. Hopefully, this will open some eyes into possible translations of Movement.

Praying Hands

This Movement is another Movement seen in Salutations, known as "Praying Hands". While this has symbolic meaning, philosophical meaning, it also has a physical meaning and can be used for self defense. Be sure and noticed the hand position and its relation to the techniques shown.

The attack is someone grabbing the throat. The hands come up from the sides in a Praying Hands Movement and then using the point of the fingers drive into a spot under the chin. This releases the grab, and also strikes a very sensitive spot under the chin as shown in the photo on the left. The location can be changed and this same Movement can be to the attackers eyes. So this Movement can be defined as a release and a strike.

This time the Movement is defined as a lock. Notice the position of the hands in the photo on the left. The hands are still in the Praying Hands position but are now being used as a grip for the lock. In the Aiki and Aiki-Jujutsu arts this lock is called Sankyo or Sankajo. The lock is basically twisted to the rear and up toward the arm pit and puts alot of pressure on the wrist joint. The photo on the right shows how to finish the lock by turning toward the attacker and raising the had and fingers applying more pressure to the lock. This is just one to finish the lock, as there are many more. Once again this is just one explanation for the Movement of Praying Hands.

Ryote Shime Waza

This Movement is seen in alot of Okinawan Karate Kata and also in Kenpo Katas as well. The Movement can be defined as a strike to the temple/ears/jaw. This strike resembles a 'Reverse Backfist'. This Movement is done alot in the Kempo Curriculum in Shizenryu. The very same Movement is seen in the Jujutsu Curriculum as well, in the Shime Waza or Choking Techniques of the system. The photo on the left shows this choke known as Ryote Shime. The way this choke works is the knuckles are driven in to the carotid artery both going to the brain and the one away from the brain. So the blood flow is effected from both sides. Much like a hose that gets a kink in it, and water can not flow, the choke works the same way, getting the blood supply from the brain. What is important to notice is that the Movement is the same for a strike and a choke. One of the techniques in Shizenryu is to strike the ears with this Movement, then drop forearms to the collarbones then use this choke.

What is important to remember here is the Movements. Each Movement can be defined a certain way. Some say as soon as you define the Movement, that is what it becomes. However remember, there are many definitions for a Movement, and as long as the Movement has an application, the definition is not fixed. The study of Movement is more important than the study of technique, for the technique, or the kata are nothing more than a series of Movements. We hope that this page will help in understanding the Movements of Kata/Forms and Techniques. There will be more Movements added shortly.