Two-Hand Forearm Strike

  This application is an introductory Defensive Strike. It is one of the initially taught defensive techniques taught to student's when they first begin study with us. It is often utilized for a surprise situation (one which was not initially perceived) by the defender (tori).

    

  Practice of this (as with most of Taika's motions) application, Begins with the tori and the uke standing face to face, at an arms length distance from each other (confirmed, by the tori placing his hand on the shoulder of the uke to establish distance).

  Practice is began with both parties having their hands at their sides. When the uke begins their strike, then the tori will raise both hands straight up (bending at the elbow), then will close (but not tightly) the finger's of their dominant-side hand (leaving the other hand open). The dominant hand will then cross in front of the tori (at face level), while their non-dominnt hand, will also cross the tori's face (at face level) with the dominant-side being closer to the uke, and performed with a striking intent, the non-dominant side will move with the intent of a parry, or deflection).
    
 Both motions cross at the tori's face level (to protect it), with the intent of either Injuring or deflecting the aggressor's action/striking arm. Emphasis should be placed on utilizing the forearm of the striking arm (as opposed to utilization of the hand) as the striking surface.

    

  During this motion, the tori's body should rotate (to Face more towards) the tori's non-dominant side. This is to add (body-weight) emphasis to the dominant (striking) arm.

  

  The tori has several targeting options available to them (for striking the uke's arm). There exist numerous atemi points on the (uke's) arm that could be utilized (depending on the tori's desired reaction of the uke). Initially, the tori should (limit) their (defensive) strikes to the uke's (aggressive) arm. Too often (especially newer) students attempt to target their defensive strikes towards the uke's Head/Neck area. It Must be remembered, the threat, is the uke's arm's (and/or legs), and our goal is to immobilize those threats. If necessary, any other threats are dealt with after the offending arm (IE. The Punch) is neutralized.

   

  At beginning levels, the tori can rotate into a Back stance, or step (towards the uke) and use either a Back stance, or use the Cat stance (technique) for a defensive cover (at varying levels, this will be modified per the individual).

    

  Practice begins at a slow speed, until the tori is confident with the required actions, practice speed can increase so long as both parties are comfortable with doing so.

    

  Once both parties are confident with the action, then tori will add a straight kick to the blocking action. Doing this, could change the dynamics of the student's initial stance use/choice.

    

  There are multiple follow-ups available, and student's should be encouraged to experiment with discovering what would work best for them (be it Tuite, arm-locks or strikes) in varying circumstances and/or their individual level of knowledge.

   

  Student's are encouraged to experiment with varying methods of performing this action/combination. This is an extremely common beginning (if not, Fail-Safe) technique for students when first beginning their study of Taika's methodology.