Looking at the recent applications posted for Nukite I thought I would try and come up with one myself and see if the other forum members think it is reasonable...
So here goes.
In Kushanku the nukite is thrust forward with the right hand with the left hand held out flat just under the right elbow. Then into the spin and so on...
Application:
The non striking hand grabs the enemy’s right wrist or cuff in order to control that arm and the nukite is executed as a straight thrusted ridge hand strike downwards to the groin. If you have entered into the enemy’s guard there is a good chance that the enemy may not see it coming. If the nukite hits home that’s great, but it just needs to cause the enemy to flinch, giving you the opportunity for the next move.
Keeping hold of the enemy’s right hand a 180 degree turn is then executed in order to hyperextend the their elbow over your shoulder.
The turn is then completed while striking with a hammer fist and then a grab around the back of the neck (usually performed as a backfist in the kata) followed by an elbow.
This is just a genuine attempt to come up with an application on my own, it’s the first time I’ve done it really, so if you think its not right or not workable grateful if you can take the time to explain why or how it could be made better. I have tried to come up with something that seizes the initiative and gives a realistic purpose for the nukite and funny left palm down move.
Hi Paul,
Thanks for sharing! Could you add some video or photos? I think I get what you are suggesting, but I’m not 100% sure from the text.
All the best,
Iain
I did wonder if a video would illustrate better...
I will try to work somethng out, but I give advanced warning that it won’t be a particularly high quality affair.
Hi Paul
Sounds good, looking forward to your video.
Kind regards
Les
I also think I might get what you're saying, but describing movements is definitely tough without visual aids. Please put together a video to share!
Video is coming. Just trying to find the time to do it when it is daylight. Not managed to rope anyone in to help, so it will be a demo on The Bob in the garden.
Out of interest what do people us to film with? I think one of my still cameras is also capable for fairly decent HD video. Also what software do people use to edit the film?
OK, Managed to work it out, sort of. If someone can tell me how to get the video to display in the post that would be very helpful..
Comments please. This is the first time I have attempted this, so please do let me know what you think.
Thanks Paul
Looks good, I think it would work well in clinch, I know its done on bob. Try when you do the turn to use the "nukite" arm to elevate bobs arm it will give you more leverage and protect your head.
Kind regards
Les
Thanks Les, I gave your suggestion a go before I trained tonight and it helped keep my guard up as I turned, something I was not being consistent with, but didn’t realise it until you mentioned it.
It certainly looks like it would work, although I agree with Les's suggestion. That said, it does not fit the kata, to my mind--there is simply no rising action to the nukite in the version I practice, so it doesn't fit that movement. If it were to be used as a straight strike to the neck, or even changed to be a closed-fisted strike to the body, it would fit the kata better, for me. Regardless, it's a good exploration of the kata, and sometimes changing the movements a bit yields interesting results! Keep it up!
You just have to wait for me to come along and do it :-) Only administrators are allowed to put code in posts, so if you post the link I’ll embed it the next time I’m online … as you can see has happened.
I like it! Thanks for taking the trouble to make the video!
As Noah mentioned, you have the nukite rising when the kata does not; so, I’d personally not have it as a “primary application”, but I would have it as a henka-waza (variation on the core theme).
You could begin with the left arm controlling the enemy’s right arm (wrapping it so we have the arm across the chest position in the kata), while the webbing of your right hand controls the inside of the enemy’s left elbow and pushed it back (hand position while doing this would look the same as a nukite). This “clinch” position would look just like the “nukite motion” in the kata and it would prevent the enemy hitting you. It would also mean that relinquishing control of the enemy’s left arm is sensible as you improve the position yet further as you turn under his right arm to the outside … and then continue exactly as you did.
That would be my minor tweak, but I love the overall sequence. Nice flow that fits the kata nicely. Good job!
All the best,
Iain
Thanks for the comments which do touch on something I was not sure about, which was how far can you deviate from the kata and call it an adaptation to suit the situation. As mentioned I did change the nukite to more of a rising haito and I did modify the turn so that you are on the outside of the opponents guard and off their centreline. In the version of the kata that I know the turns seems to imply that you turn into the inside of the opponents guard straight on to their centreline and and expose your flank.
So I guess from what was said you can modufy it a little and get away with it.
I just need to find someone who is willing to drill it...
On watching the video, I thought you were considering the enemy’s own movement. The line of the kata gives us the line on which we apply the method relative to the enemy. If the enemy moves, then you have to maintain the line of the kata relative to the enemy. The direction with regards to the surroundings is not really a concern.
To quote Nakasone, “Never be shackled by the rituals of kata, but instead move freely according to the enemy’s strength and weakness”. Kata provides an example of concept. It’s not supposed to be dictatorial. So, in my view, you’ve not really “got away” with anything, because there is nothing to get away with :-)
All the best,
Iain