The Gyaku is performed combining 3 points of pressure.

1. The horizontal twisting of the wrist commonly associated with a wrist reversal
2. A Take Ori type feeling, collapsing the palm towards the inner arm
3. A crushing feeling applied to the hand trying to fold it in half so the pinky touches the thumb.

With these 3 points of pressure, direct the energy towards the attacker’s feet.  Do not grab the hand and get caught up fighting over it.  Hold and “Roll” the attacking hand like Dough.  Keep moving.  Moving towards the attacker provides assistance in bending the elbow and making them go straight down.  When the elbow is bent aim for the rear triangle.

KURAI DORI

Kurai Dori in a simple meaning is to take proper distance or stance. Not all Kamae are used to initiate a fight sequence. Some Kamae are used to create the required distance between you and your opponent. Therefore, in such a case as this you really need to become aware of your surroundings for each Kamae.  The position you take toward others is influenced by the World around you, as well as your own state-of-being, at the given point in time you come in contact with them. If one understands their presence in the world, then one may be able to manipulate themselves at will.

1. HIDARI SEIGAN NO KAMAE – Left True Sight
The left leg is forward and slightly bent. The left arm is straight out pointing at Uke’s face, and the hand is in Shuto. The right hand is in Shuto, and is held above the left bicep with the palm facing towards the face.

NOTE: Ichimonji no Kamae, has the rear hand in Shuto. “In Koto Ryu” for Migi Seigan, your hand is placed in front of you, pointing at the adversary, and the left hand is placed in such a way that you guide the attack.  You are ready for any type of attack.  Since this is called Kurai Dori, foot positioning becomes very important and is crucial for proper distancing.  This will help freedom of movement.

2. MIGI SEIGAN NO KAMAE – Right True sight

The Kamae is the same as Hidari Seigan no Kamae, but in Migi.

3. HIRA ICHIMONJI NO KAMAE – “Flat” figure 1 posture – Windy feeling

The arms are held out to the side of the body, shoulder height. Hands are in Shuto.

NOTE: With the Hira Ichimonji no Kamae, you must imagine yourself trying to control a large area.  Possibly against multiple attackers.  A very open feeling that helps you from getting tunnel vision on one target.

4. HOKO NO KAMAE - Bear receiving posture.  Feeling is to make yourself Big. Earthy Feeling.
The left foot is slightly forwards, and the body is upright. The hands are held above the head in Shako Ken. The whole posture looks as though you are holding a large ball.  Make yourself look big.

NOTE: Make yourself look bigger. You are showing yourself to the enemy, and saying “I will protect myself no matter what”. When some animals meet their enemy, they threaten the enemy by making their body look bigger than what it is. This posture is good for a small person, and the attitude for this posture is, “I will defend myself no matter what happens, attack whenever you want”. Your centre of gravity is balanced.

5. BOBBI NO KAMAE

Similar to Ichimonji but the right hand is at the obi, in a Fudo Ken, the open left-hand, points directly in a straight line at Uke.

NOTE: This posture contains the mental attitude – Come anytime. The foot positioning of the Koto Ryu is very important in Kamae. It will also help with distancing. This will also give you freedom of movement. Right hand is in front and left hand is on the hip. You are ready for any attack any time.