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[edit] Shihonage

[edit] Description, #1

• Uke grabs left wrist and nage turns hips 90 degrees to the right while rolling his/her forearm to a sword holding position, similar to that in kokyu ho, directly in front of his/her center. Nage simultaneously brings the back (right) foot across and in front for balance and to prepare for a step. Note: The toes should be pointed outward (right) slightly to allow hip rotation and aid in balance. The intent is to turn uke to the left so as to prevent atemi by uke and expose the wrist for a shihonage grab.
• Nage takes a small step straight forward with the left foot while simultaneously lifting the uke's hand with both hands to slightly above and in front of nage’s head. Pointer: too large a step will put nage far in front of uke, leaving uke’s balance intact.
• As nage's hands reach an area visible by looking up with the eyes, nage pivots hips (tanren) 180 degrees to right and cuts down, taking uke to the ground. Cut like a sword without dropping the hands. If done properly, uke's balance is broken backwards as soon as the pivot is completed, even before cutting down. This approach makes it very difficult to take a breakfall out of the shihonage. Nage may also have to adjust to keep up with the falling uke by a sliding step. The same hand and foot closest to uke should be forward and the forward foot toes turned slightly out for balance when completing the technique.

[edit] Tips

• Important Points: Steps should never be more than shoulder width. When turning nage should slightly duck head under arms to keep from leaning back. The method described should create a safe position for uke's arm while immediately breaking uke's balance. In general, nage should try to keep uke's arm relatively straight until the final turn is complete.
• Teaching Tip: When students are having difficulty keeping the hands in proper position (kokyu ho), one may employ the following conceptual exercise. It as if the students were holding a cup of water: they are not to tip it until they can pour it over their head.
• Ukemi: The basic form of shihonage will usually result in uke falling backwards. Some dojo will perform this technique as a projection so that uke can roll out. Other dojo perform a pin at the end. Uke should be cautious during the throw and not assume that a full roll will be possible. Finally, some dojo also perform the projection as a forward roll or even a jumping breakfall. Students more accustomed to one method or another of taking the ukemi should make sure they know what kind of fall to expect.