Practical Kata Bunkai: Lower Block Takedown

This short video was filmed at a recent dojo session. At this session we were working the lead hand hook, and various ways of negating the enemy’s possible reactions to that strike. While discussing ways to strip a flinch / cower, we looked at how we could use “lower block” (gedan barai) to create an opening and then use the same action to take the enemy to the floor. These bits of footage were filmed during that part of the class. The video is not a compete summation of all we covered, and it is not intended to be instructional in nature. I nevertheless hope you find it interesting.

All the best,

Iain

[laperrablanca]

Tried it yesterday on a sparring partner. He was totally surprised. Works great! Thank you!

[safdarkh]

So many ways a movement can be applied in combat! . This is an Awesome bunkai! 💪😙

[NYKgjl]

Excellent step by step approach bunkai

[complexblackness]

Basically a Sukui Nage variation. Lyoto Machida has used this technique before.

[laperrablanca]

Very interesting indeed, Iain sensei! It also can fit very well as a practical application for the 13th step of Heian Godan, Shotokan version. As you turn back counter clockwise you cross your hands infront of your face (kind of jodan juji uke) and then into kibadachi stance with gedan barai. The hand cross means checking the opponent left hand, and then the technique execution is exactly as you showed, only in kibadachi stance instance of zenkutsu dachi. The use of kibadachi can allow extra pressure by pushing with your right knee into the fold your opponent's knee. Thank you very much!

[CrinosAD]

I'm wonderining... Those who disliked this video.... Do they prefer to believe that Yodan Age Uke is blocking a bostaff or similar? (As way to many do)...

[michael.schuler]

Your bunkai interpretations are interesting. Do you have videos showing some of them against opponents executing live attacks at full speed? It's hard to visualize the speed/rhythm that must be required when the opponent is free to react after the initial move.

[anftrew]

I seem to recall reading on your website that the Korean style of crossing hands during a block is an aesthetic point and does not feature in traditional karate. At around 20 seconds, we see you do a low block exactly as it is taught in tang soo do.

[deanmarquis]

Which Goju kata is this best demonstrated by. ( I take Goju so therefore)