This short video demonstrates and explains the three main defences against a back kick attack in the SKIF jiyu ippon kumite syllabus. Each technique is shown slowly and quickly in detail.
After 34 years training and teaching, I understand that sometimes combinations and kata aren't terribly practical for good reasons (e.g. developing hip rotation or other good habits), but I really can't see how these combinations are desirable.... The success of all three of these block/counter combos depend on a large step, which takes quite a bit of time and is only really practical if you've anticipated the kick or it's horribly telegraphed and slow. It's actively bad to practise techniques that only work in those situations, as they ingrain bad muscle memory and will get you in big trouble when someone at your own skill level or higher delivers a relatively untelegraphed kick, or mixes in feints and is ready to punish you if you over-react. The first combo presented - retreating, needs you to have gotten completely out of reach, as that arm technique is way too weak to pull the kick off target significantly before it completes extension. The second combo requires a big step in behind the kicker - at least the direction of movement makes it safer, and it's fine if you've got time, but it's a big ask for someone to pull that out every time someone delivers an untelegraphed back kick, while not being so jump they attempt it on a feint and walk into a punch. An on-the-ball attacker may throw a top-arm ura-ken / backfist or empi / elbow too, and you're dropping your arm under their leg where you can't defend. The last combo is the worst of all - you're stepping across the line of the kick - squaring your head and chest making them very vulnerable targets - and hoping to get across and turn 180 degrees before the kick arrives - that's just begging for trouble. What if they actually deliver a ushiro mawashi geri - which looks very similar in early preparation? - you've dropped your right hand and turned side on so you can't use your left to defend, and the side of your head's an open target. Good self defence combinations should start with the simplest, most minimal movement necessary to defend against a relatively unexpected attack and still leave you in a safe and advantageous position. The mechanics of the block should ideally give even a weaker, slower person the best chance of surviving an attack from a stronger, faster person. In this case - soto uke with the front arm is the most minimal and effective way to protect the head and chest, and leaves the kicker closed (i.e. you're behind their back). Perhaps the second most effective defence is to slide the front foot forward and behind the kicker whilst delivering an outward middle-section block with the right/back outer forearm; that dodges much like the second combo in the video, but uses a block at the back of the kicking leg in case you don't make it completely off the line of the kick in time - you're not betting everything on stepping so far so fast and early that the kick simply misses of its own accord. The front arm can be kept up to protect the head in case a ushiro mawashi geri is delivered instead.
Beautiful Sensei Paul. I have always had problem deadling with Ushirogeri. Now I guess it's time to practise some more with newly acquired knowledge. OSU.
@LECLUGER - Your comment has been noted. Oviously, you are way above this level of martial art knolledge and skill. I'm not quite there yet. ...now if you could JUST bring up your spelling and grammer, you'd be totally awesome!!!
The "sensei" doesn't even know the basics. After the Mawashi-Tsuki, the right knee falls inwards ... Many mistakes and hardly any applicable. Insubstantial !
