Matt Spriggs is a member of the Ao Denkou Kai
and teaches Ao Denkou Jutsu in Barnett

I recently attended a few seminars with Proffessor Rick Clark, 8th Dan on his latest Ao Denkou Kai tour of Scotland, England and Wales.

Many different areas were covered from Escrima and Kali drills to Kyusho and bunkai (the practical application of techniques contained with kata/ patterns/ forms).

One technique that I particularty got to grips with was the movement 'Kawashi' (Interaction).

Myself and fellow student Gerry O'Dea researched this movement and foind it in Karate-do Nyumon (Gichin Funakoshi). This interesting technique occurs many times in various Kata.

In Karate-do Nyumon it menitons :- "In Kawashi practice, you pass through your opponent's attack, in effect changing places with them. Unlike Kumite, you do not catch the attack and sweep it away nor do you step back or to the side. Instead you step in, towards the attacker, while turning (Kawasu) your body to avoid the attack."

Towards the back of Karate-do Nyumon (page 109), there are some Shotokai seniors demonstrating Kawashi.

Below, Proffessor Clark incorporates Kyusho-jitsu (the art of striking pressure points) into this Kawashi movement, from the Kata Heian Yondan.

Professor Clark demonstrates the actual technique as it appears at the start of the Heian Yondan pattern.

As his opponent grabs his wrist and starts to throw a left punch .....

Clark steps in and palm heels to the jaw/ throat points of his attacker .....

whilst drawing his other hand back. He then follows up with an elbow to the same points, dropping his attacker and finishing in the position shown in picture one.

Additional notes: Once you have slipped the punch or grab, use your whole body, centered from your hips to strike with a palm heel to Gall Bladder or stomach point as Professor Clark has done above.

Lots of variations can be used with fists or palms i.e., start moves from Heian/ Pinan Shodan, Nidan, and the Age Uke (rising block) Kawasu move from Meikyo/ Rohai.

Above all, have fun with it, all sorts of hidden techniques lunge out at you when you are open minded enough to receive them. Step out of the box and onto the mat!

For future ADK courses and seminar contact Matt Spriggs on (07771-793-174).