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Old 10-26-2007, 07:52 AM   #9
John Matsushima
 
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Location: Miura, Japan
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 226
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Re: Technique clarification...

A lot of people call techniques "kokyu nage" when they simply don't know the name, but I don't think this is the correct approach. I think kokyu nage is the technique which is "not" a technique. Let me clarify. In kokyu nage, there is no turning of the uke's wrists or arms such as in kaiten nage, tenbin nage, or ikkyo. It is the one which was described as when the uke attacks with a two hand grab from the rear and then goes flying over uke, but isn't because he is tripping over him. It can also be done in other variations, such as tai no tenkan, when uke continues to go forward with his attack into mae ukemi. There is nothing that directly causes the uke to lose his balance except for the uke's own action. It can be done with or without contact. It is the ultimate in blending and flow, or ki no nagare. The uke attacks, and finds himself falling into a void. I like to think of it as violent aggression being drawn out as naturally and smoothly as the breath from one's lips.

-John Matsushima

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