Since kata is a basic syllabus for dealing with common attacks, we should try to interpret the movements, techniques, and sequences in kata as strategies for self-defense. In this video, we examine one way to interpret and apply the double chest-block motion at the end of Fukyugata Ni as a defense against an attempted tackle up high or bear hug from the front. As with all attacks, we want to be aware as much as possible and to pre-empt and/or negate the attack as early as possible. We do not want to wait until we have been grabbed, tackled, or struck before we react. In this drill, we work on using the double block motion and the forward stance to jam the frontal attack and to stop the attempted tackle or bear hug. This technique should leave us in a more advantageous position in relation to the attacker, thus setting us up for some powerful knee strike counters. We also look at a way to get to the attacker’s outside to facilitate our escape.
