Double Forearm Strike

  This motion is represented in numerous kata (multiple times). It's motion is representative for a plurality of different technique applications. The motion as practiced in formation, is only the most basic of those. To the casual observer, this motion is the combining of the Outside Forearm Strike, and the Downward Forearm Strike.

   

  When applied in several situations, that would prove to be an accurate assessment. But, the motion can be (and is) varied in several circumstances to modify the recipients response/reaction.

     

  The motion as practiced, is the basic (most common) manner of utilization. It's from this manner of execution that the alternate application's are derived.

   

  Practice of the motion begins with the hands at either side of the tori. Both arms/hands motion at the same time (throughout the application). I will describe each individually, beginning with the Left (for this example).

  

  This hand raises straight up (in-line with the upper-arm and shoulder), bending at the elbow (palm-up). The hand continues up until nearly vertical, then rotates to palm-down and begins to sweep downward (covering the front of the body as it does so). The hand/arm continues downward (covering the abdomen/groin area) and motioning forward, until it is once again in-line with the shoulder (but should now be located to the front of the tori at a 45º angle. Depending upon the individual application, the hand could be open or semi-closed (for practice purposes, we have students perform the motion with the hand closed, and perform the milking-punch action at the arm's motion conclusion).

   

  In conjunction with the Left hand's motion, the Right hand will also be raised. But it, will raise close to the body, sweeping upward (covering the front of the body while doing so). Both arm's should pass one another when they reach the waist-level (in the opening/first motion, this mandates a timing variance between the two, that should only exist during the first motion). The Right arm continues it's rise until being in-line with it's shoulder, then will motion straight forward (much as the Outside Forearm Strike has been described).

   

  With both hand/arm's now in position, the individual hand positions should be at (opposite) 45º angles (as if they were clasping a Bo), with the upper-hand being palm-up, and the lower hand palm-down. After this first performance of the application, the hand which is raising, will always motion towards the tori's center-line (inward) when doing so.

  

  Both hands will then alternate their positions. This is accomplished with both hands motioning inward (towards the bodies center-line), crossing one-another at the waist-level (both moving closer to the body while doing so), then motioning in their respective opposite directions (down/up) and then forward (to end). The arm which will then be raising, should always be on the inner-side (closest to the body). This mandates an alternation of arm positioning during the continuation of this exercise.

  Though seeming to be a simple coordination exercise, this motion has numerous direct technique applications, and should be practiced by student's on a regular basis.