HISTORY OF SUNSU KATA by Sensei Don Bohan

SUNSU KATA
by
Sensei Don Bohan

The Sunsu Kata, which epitomizes the Isshin-Ryu system, was devised by Tatsuo Shimabuku, the founder of the Isshin-Ryu system. Literally translated, SUNSU means "strongman" which was Tatsuo Shimabuku's nickname. SUNSU is the most important kata in our system for two basic reasons:

1. It is the only kata that is purely Isshin-Ryu's, the other seven empty-hand black belt forms have been borrowed, with some modification, from other systems.

2. There are no wasted movements or weak techniques in Sunsu. Soke devised this kata to encompass what he considered to be the strongest short-range combat techniques. The strength of the chosen techniques are their simplicity and multiple applications. Unlike many of the techniques in other katas, such as Kusanku and Chinto, these techniques and movements can be easily executed by a person possessing less than ordinary strength and flexibility. This may not seem important to a young, healthy student, but to a man who is somewhat older, injured, outmatched in size, or otherwise at a physical disadvantage, this becomes extremely pertinent. [Consider, Shimabuku was 4'8" tall, middle aged, and in poor health when he developed this kata. Even so, he was famous throughout Okinawa for his power. It can only be surmised that this resulted from ki (Qi/Ch'i) and the proper selection of technique, rather than brute strength.]

PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS

Sunsu Kata is performed in the hard Goju-Ryu style with liberal use of Sanchin. Because of the numerous hidden techniques, and the range of fighting emphasized, this form lacks much of the "flashiness" American's seem to appreciate; however, care must be taken to never modify this form, or dilute its purity, for the sake of esthetic appeal, which has become a common practice in this country among all the systems. A good example is the multiple knee-level side kicks used throughout the kata; to perform them as high kicks to impress a crowd, would also make meaningless the logistic effectiveness of the series of movements both preceding and following the kicks.

The bunkai (interpretation) of Sunsu is much more complex than the actual movements involved, because of the many hidden techniques. For this reason, much of the bunkai discussed will be on the advanced level. This is also what makes Sunsu such a difficult kata to both teach and learn. The student must be able to absorb the bunkai as he learns the movements in order to appreciate the kata and perform it correctly. Realize, also, that the stated bunkai is by no means comprehensive. In depth examination of each minute movement by the knowledgeable karate-ka will reveal a wealth of subtle techniques that must be individually "discovered" to have any meaning or relevance. As in the previous Kata files, Bunkai will be discussed in the following manner:

(A) - Basic Bunkai

(B) - Advanced Bunkai

This kata will open and close faced to the north. All movements will be thusly orientated to help prevent confusion. It should be noted that the kata primarily runs along a north-south line.

Tatsuo Shimabuku Sunsu Kata
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0sPWQvaxYs

More videos of Shimabuku Shian follow this piece.

Opening

Stand in attention (stance-heels are together) with toes pointed at a 45 degree angle. The spine is straight (including the neck) with the knees bent slightly. Hands are open with the palms against the thighs. Relax by taking a few deep breaths utilizing the diaphragm and set the mind toward the purpose of concentrating on the kata. Perform the Tachi-Rei (standing bow). Bend from the waist to a 45 degree angle; do not take the eyes off of the opponent and do not show the back of the neck (this is a form of disrespect); straighten back up to the original position. Bring the hands (left over right) left hand open (palm towards the body) and the right hand (also palm toward the body) in a fist. Lower the hands from the solar plexus to in front of the groin (The fingers of the left hand now point to the ground). As the hands are lowered, pivot the feet inward to a pigeon-toed stance with the knees slightly touching together (this is a cover for the groin against possible attacks at that level).

OPENING MOVES

1. Step forward into a left-foot-forward Seisan-Dachi while simultaneously drawing the right hand in a vertical fist position to the right hip and drawing the left hand up to the center of the body in same manner as an outside block. The left forearm will be in a vertical position with the elbow tucked into the front left part of the rib cage. Immediately follow with a right-hand-vertical punch to the solar plexus of the opponent. The right forearm will almost touch the left forearm during the punch, with the left forearm guarding your own solar plexus. With the feet still in place, the right hand will sweep upward in a manner similar to an outside block with the elbow tucked into ribs. Simultaneously, move the left forearm outboard. Both arms will now be in an outside blocking position with both hands now even with and parallel to shoulders. Both elbows will be tucked into the ribs. The forearms will be forming a "V" shape.

(A) While stepping in, perform a left-hand-outside block followed by a right-hand-vertical punch and right-hand outside block.

(B) While stepping inside the opponent's guard, the left forearm will force the opponent's guard aside; your forearm should strike on the outside of the opponent's left arm at or above the elbow. This is followed immediately with a vertical punch to the exposed ribs. Instead of retracting the strike, the right hand continues across the body of the opponent under his arms. When the right arm arcs back in the outside blocking motion, the left forearm will act as a fulcrum as the right arm applies pressure across the opponent's opposite upper arm. The end result will be to either make the opponent turn his back to you, or, if your leading leg cuts across his direction of movement, will cause a tripping takedown.

2. Step forward into a right-foot-forward Seisan-Dachi while simultaneously drawing the left hand in a vertical fist position to the left hip and drawing the right hand up to the center of the body in same manner as an outside block. The right forearm will be in a vertical position with the elbow tucked into the front right part of the rib cage. Immediately follow with a left-hand-vertical punch to the solar plexus of the opponent. The left forearm will almost touch the right forearm during the punch, with the right forearm guarding your own solar plexus. With the feet still in place, the left hand will sweep upward in a manner similar to an outside block with the elbow tucked into ribs. Simultaneously, move the right forearm outboard. Both arms will now be in an outside blocking position with both hands now even with and parallel to shoulders. Both elbows will be tucked into the ribs. The forearms will be forming a "V" shape.

(A) While stepping in, perform a right-hand-outside block followed by a left-hand-vertical punch and then a left-hand-outside block.

(B) While stepping inside the opponent's guard, the right forearm forces the opponent's guard aside and your forearm should strike on the outside of the opponents right arm at or above the elbow. This is followed immediately with a left-hand-vertical punch to the exposed ribs. Instead of retracting, the striking the left hand continues across the body of the opponent and under his arms. When the left arm arcs back in the outside blocking motion, the right forearm will act as a fulcrum as the left arm applies pressure across the opponent's opposite upper arm. The end result will be to either make the opponent turn his back to you, or, if your leading leg cuts across his direction of movement, cause a tripping takedown.

3. Step forward into a left-foot-forward Seisan-Dachi while simultaneously drawing the right hand in a vertical fist position to the right hip and drawing the left hand up to the center of the body in same manner as an outside block. The left forearm will be in a vertical position with the elbow tucked into the front left part of the rib cage. Immediately follow with a right-hand-vertical punch to the solar plexus of the opponent. The right forearm will almost touch the left forearm during the punch, with the left forearm guarding your own solar plexus. With the feet still in place, the right hand will sweep upward in a manner similar to an outside block with the elbow tucked into ribs. Simultaneously, move the left forearm outboard. Both arms will now be in an outside blocking position with both hands now even with and parallel to shoulders. Both elbows will be tucked into the ribs. The forearms will be forming a "V" shape.

(A) While stepping in, perform a left-hand-outside block followed by a right-hand-vertical punch and right-hand outside block.

(B) While stepping inside the opponent's guard, the left forearm will force the opponent's guard aside; your forearm should strike on the outside of the opponent's left arm at or above the elbow. This is followed immediately with a vertical punch to the exposed ribs. Instead of retracting the strike, the right hand continues across the body of the opponent under his arms. When the right arm arcs back in the outside blocking motion, the left forearm will act as a fulcrum as the right arm applies pressure across the opponent's opposite upper arm. The end result will be to either make the opponent turn his back to you, or, if your leading leg cuts across his direction of movement, will cause a tripping takedown.

4. From the left foot forward Seisan-Dachi in move number three perform shuffle-step and at the same time, draw both hands back to the hips. (The hands will be in open spearhand position, with both palms up.) Shuffle forward into a left- foot-forward Seisan-Dachi while simultaneously striking the opponent's solar plexus with a double spearhand. The fingertips of the hands will overlap to reinforce the fingers strength. Keeping both feet in place, roll the hands over until the wrists are crossed and the palms are down. As soon as the wrists are crossed, form the hands into fists and perform double leg blocks.

(A) You have shuffled into the opponent with a reinforced spearhand strike to the solar plexus. He blocks the strike and grabs your wrists. You roll your wrists inward and upward to break his grip. (This works against the thumbs, the weakest point of his grip.) The double leg blocks are strikes against the radial bones of the forearms.

(B) Much the same as the basic version, but when you roll your wrists to break his grip you in turn grab his wrists. In the leg blocking motion, his arms will be crossed, twisted, and jerked downward to dislocate the shoulders.

5. From the left foot forward Seisan-Dachi in move number four perform shuffle-step and at the same time, draw both hands back to the hips. (The hands will be in open spearhand position, with both palms up.) Shuffle forward into a left- foot-forward Seisan-Dachi while simultaneously striking the opponent's solar plexus with a double spearhand. The fingertips of the hands will overlap to reinforce the fingers strength. Keeping both feet in place, roll the hands over until the wrists are crossed and the palms are down. As soon as the wrists are crossed, form the hands into fists and perform double leg blocks.

6. Step backward into right foot forward Seisan-Dachi. At the same time, execute a right-hand outside block. Follow up with a double punch to the solar plexus.

(A) As described above.

(B) In the last movement, you were left holding the opponent's wrists with the arms crossed, fully extended, twisted and pulled downward. You release his right wrist and maintained control of his left arm. As you step back, you pull his left arm to your own left hip, which will extend his left arm in a horizontal plane and lock the elbow. At the same time, you bring your right hand up in an outside blocking motion. The right forearm will strike the back of the opponent's locked left elbow, causing a break. Follow this up with a double-vertical punch to the head area, as pulling the arm with the broken elbow will cause the opponent to bend over in your direction.

7. From the Seisan-Dachi, pivot 90 degrees left on the left foot into a Seiuchin-Dachi. At the same time execute knifehand blocks with both hands at the shoulder level along the forward and reverse line formed by the Seiuchin-Dachi.

(A) You are blocking a strike delivered from behind while you were still in the Seisan-Dachi. The step into Seiuchin-Dachi removed you from the line of the opponent's attack.

(B) This movement sets up an arm-bar technique. While in the last Seisan-Dachi, the attack comes from either the left rear or the front. You parry and grab the striking hand with the hand furthest from the opponent. The pivot into the Seiuchin-Dachi will draw his arm across your chest. At the same time, the hand closest to the opponent will strike into his chest. Your own chest will act as the fulcrum to complete the arm-bar.

8. Pivot 90 degrees left on the right foot into left-foot-forward Seisan-Dachi. At the same time, strike at the chest level with a left hand shuto, the forearm will be parallel to the ground. Follow with a palm-up-right-hand shuto to the neck and draw the right hand back to right hip. Draw the left foot back and shuffle step into a left-foot-forward Seisan-Dachi. While shuffling in, press downward with the left hand, palm down and in the center on body. As soon as the stance is set, execute a left hand spearhand to the opponent's solar plexus, the left arm will cross the right arm at a 90 degree angle, the right arm will remain in front of the body, the forearm will be center of the chest and parallel to the ground.

(A) You are stepping into the opponent with two shutos, heart and neck/collarbone, which are blocked. The right hand then presses down on the opponent's blocks and the left hand spearhand strikes comes over the neutralized guard.

(B) The first shuto is an open hand block and grab of the opponent's middle-level kick, the block occurring just below his knee. As you pull the foot to your left hip to upset his balance, the right hand strikes either the inside or the outside of the knee joint, depending on which foot was trapped.   Following the strike, maintain control of leg with both hands. The pressing downward with the right hand, combined with the thrusting action of the left hand and the shuffle step, will cause a takedown and the possible dislocation of the hip or knee.

9. Keep the left foot in place and pivot clockwise 180 degrees into a right-foot-forward Seisan-Dachi and at same time executing a right-hand knife hand leg block. Follow up with a left hand spearhand to solar plexus.

(A) You pivot into a kick from the rear. The leg block is shuto to side of knee joint, followed by a spearhand to solar plexus.

(B) You pivot into a kick from the rear. The leg block is a shuto to side of knee joint, and the spearhand strikes just above the groin and then pushes sideways on upper thigh to cause takedown.

10. Bring the left foot up to the right foot in a position resembling attention. At the same time, stack the hands on the right hip, the left hand will be on top of the right hand, and then the turn head to the left. Follow this with a left-foot-middle-level-side kick to the left. After the kick rechambers, do not step down, but step deeply to the left. As you do this, stack the hands on the left hip, the right hand will be on top of the left hand, and then turn head to the right. Follow this up with a middle-level-right-foot-side kick to the right. After the kick rechambers, turn head to the front (original direction) and step back with the right foot into a left-foot-forward Seisan-Dachi. As the stance sets down, bring hands up into a left-side-leading-open-hand guard, both hands in line with the solar plexus.

(A) While still in the Seisan-Dachi, you were attacked from the left. The step forward was to sidestep the attack, the stack will cover up the exposed left ribs with the left upper arm. As the left foot came up, it immediately chambered for the side kick to the lower torso or legs of the opponent. The step across to the left repeated the process on the other side. After attacks from both sides, you step down into a Seisan-Dachi with a guard.

(B) Bunkai is basically the same with the following additions: The stacks were open hand parries and grabs. The circular hand change from side to side extends and locks the opponent's arm, and the side kick is driven into his knees. The step back into Seisan-Dachi sets up an arm break rather than a guard. The right hand parries the incoming strike while the left hand strikes into the back of the elbow of the striking arm.

11. Step forward into a right foot forward Seisan-Dachi. At the same time, execute a right hand spearhand strike to solar plexus. Immediately shuffle step 12 to 18 inches forward with the right foot into a right foot forward Seisan-Dachi and execute double spearhand to solar plexus, left hand and then the right.

(A) As described.

(B) The first spearhand strike to the solar plexus is blocked. Shuffle step in, grab his blocking arm at the wrist with the left hand. The second strike is a palm heel strike with the right hand to the back of his elbow. Remember that the left hand, after grabbing his wrist, retracts to your own left hip to extend and lock his elbow.

12. From the right-foot-forward Seisan-Dachi, step deeply into the opponent with right foot, pivot your hips counter-clockwise, and slide the left foot back into a T-stance; at same time, drive the right elbow to the rear, and stack the left hand on top of the right.

(A) This is the finishing strike for the previous series. The target area for elbow is the lower ribs or the solar plexus.

13. With the left foot, take a short step forward into a left-foot-forward Naihanchi-Dachi, with the stance bisecting the line at a 45 degree angle; at same time execute a backfist along the line. Now, keep feet in place, and pivot counter-clockwise until the right side is leading along the line, and the right kneecap is tucked into the back of the left knee (Reverse T-stance). Follow with a right hand shuto to the neck. The left hand will draw back, open handed, to a guard position in front of left temple. At the same time   follow this immediately with low-right-foot-front kick. After retracting kick, from the chambered position, step forward into a right foot-forward Seisan-Dachi. At the same time, execute a left hand head block and a right-hand-leg block. Shuffle forward into a right foot forward Seisan-Dachi, and again perform a left hand head block and a right hand leg block.

(A) As described.

(B) The leading backfist is blocked. When the opponent blocks, your fist opens and grabs his blocking arm at wrist or forearm. The body twist and you pull the left hand back to the side of your head extending his arm and locking the elbow at the joint. The right-hand shuto is to back of elbow joint. This is followed immediately with a front kick to opponent's knees while still maintaining control of his arm. When stepping into the Seisan-Dachi left-hand-head block will lift and controlled the arm. The right hand simultaneously strikes down on the same side collarbone driving the opponent to his knees. The second blocking combination is arm control with left hand and thumb-knuckle strike with right hand to downed man's head.

14. Pivot 180 degrees counter-clockwise on ball of the right foot into a left foot forward T-stance. At same time, bring both hands to front of pelvic bones, with the palms outward. From the T-stance, keep feet in place and pivot counter-clockwise until right shoulder faces down line and the feet are in a reverse T-stance. At same time as the pivot, keep the left hand in place and roll the right hand over to a palm down position about 18" in front of you and 6" above the knees.    Follow up by keeping the left foot in place and stomp-kicking down the line with the right foot. Finish with the right foot chambered by left knee.

(A) You are turning into an attack from the rear. If it's a foot attack, catch the foot with both hands, then slide the right hand up to opponents knee. Push downward on inside of the knee at same time as the hips are twisted to dump opponent. Follow with stomp to the groin or to the lower body. If it's a hand attack, parry and grab the striking arm. Twist the arm with the left hand and apply pressure with the right hand to his shoulder to force him downward. Follow with a stomping kick to knee. (In both cases, the hip twist is the fulcrum providing the power to the technique.)

15. Step forward to a 45 degrees off-line with the right foot forward leaning stance. Strike back into line with simultaneous double vertical punches, the left fist will be striking at the head and the right fist is striking at the ribs. Repeat by stepping 45 degrees off-line into a left-foot- forward-leaning stance, and repeat strikes with opposite hands.

(A) You step off line to slip the attack and strike into exposed side.

(B) Initially, step off line to slip a kicking attack. The first double punch does not strike the leg, but traps it from bottom and top. The forward step across the line breaks the opponent's balance and dumps him. The second set of strikes are to the exposed head and midsection targets.

15. With the right foot, step backwards deeply into left-foot- forward T-stance. At same time, execute double-head block with the left fist in front of the right fist by 12 ".

(A) As described above.

(B) Retreating from a punch to cause opponent to overextend his arm, followed by simultaneous striking at wrist and elbow to damage elbow joint.

16. Keep the left foot in place and step backward at a 45 degrees angle with the right foot into a deep leaning stance, then execute mid-level roundhouse kick with left foot and stack the hands at right hip. Then, with the left foot still chambered, step forward 45 degrees with the left foot into deep leaning stance and execute mid-level roundhouse kick with the right foot and stack hands at left hip. Finish the movement with the right foot chambered at knee. On both kicks you were standing off-line and kicking across the line of attack.

(A) The first movement sidestepped away from the attack and countered with low roundhouse kick (squat kick). The second movement pursued him with the same kick from the opposite side, again by sidestepping his line of defense. The stacking of the hands provides a close-range guard, in that the upper arm covers the ribs facing the opponent.

17. At this point, you should be standing on the left foot with the right foot chambered at the left knee and the hands stacked at the left hip. Look to right and at same time, reach with the left open hand and parry under the opponent's right arm. Step off to the right into a right foot forward Seisan-Dachi and at same time, drive the right elbow forward and draw the left hand back to the side of the ribs. Follow up with a shuffle step into a right foot forward Seisan-Dachi and perform two horizontal elbow strikes.
(A) The left hand parries, followed by a driving elbow strike to center of chest. The shuffle step closes the distance for the double horizontal elbow strikes to the head.

(B) Basically the same, except the double elbow strikes are not strikes, but rather arm traps, in that you trap his upper arm in the crook of your elbow and wrench it across his body to dislocate the shoulder.

18. Reach under your left arm with an open right hand and parry while looking over the left shoulder to the rear. At same time, draw the left foot up to the right knee (crane stance). Pivot 180 degrees counter-clockwise on the right foot and take a deep step into a left foot forward Seisan-Dachi. While stepping, drive the left elbow forward. Follow with a shuffle step into a left foot forward Seisan-Dachi, and execute double horizontal elbow strikes.

(A/B) Same as in move 17.

19. Pivot 90 degrees to the left on the ball of the right foot into a left foot forward Seisan-Dachi. At same time, bring the hands to an open hand guard position at solar plexus level. Step forward into a right foot forward Seisan-Dachi and perform a the right horizontal elbow strike. Follow with a right foot forward shuffle step into a Seisan-Dachi followed with double horizontal elbow strikes.

(A) As described.

(B) The open hand guard was a parry and arm trap. The step forward and initial elbow strike was against the trapped arm and injures the elbow and turn opponents upper body away from you. The shuffle step brings you to his unguarded side for the double elbow strike to the head.

20. Pivot 180 degrees counter-clockwise on the right foot into a left foot forward T-stance. At the same time, place the hands (shuto position) palm outward in front of pelvic bones, right hand slightly higher than left hand. Keep the left foot in place, and pivot counter-clockwise into Naihanchi-Dachi so that right shoulder points down line. While executing stance the shift, pull the left hand across the body to chest level (hand open, palm outward) and drive the right hand upward (hand open, palm up) and parallel to the shoulders (elbow pointing downline).

(A) The initial pivot was into a guard stance facing the opponent. When the man strikes, the left hand parries and then grasps his wrist. You pivot into the opponent and pull his arm across your chest to immobilize the arm and lock the elbow joint. The right hand drives upward to dislocate the elbow joint.

21. Pivot counter-clockwise just short of 180 degrees into a Naihanchi-Dachi. Maintain the right hand in same place it was in last movement. While pivoting, drive the left elbow around at the rib level so that point of elbow points downline.
(A) This is a follow up to the previous arm-bar. While maintaining control of the arm with the right hand, pivot into the opponent with the left elbow strike to ribs. The controlled arm will also be pulled over your right shoulder in a secondary arm-bar.

22. Keep the right foot in place and continue the previous counter-clockwise pivot until body is parallel with the line. Step into a left foot forward Seiuchin-Dachi and at the same time, place the left hand at the left hip (hand open, palm outward) and the right hand at the left shoulder (hand open palm outward). Step backward along the line, keeping the hands and the left shoulder facing forward by cross-stepping with left foot across the right foot. After the cross-step, pivot clockwise and pull right hand back to right hip, and push the left hand (open hand) downward to center. You will be in a Seiuchin-Dachi.

(A) This is the same classical "dump" found in Wansu Kata.

23. From the Seiuchin-Dachi, keeping feet in place, draw the left hand back to the left and at the same time, with the right hand still on the right hip, twist counter-clockwise at the hip and dip the right shoulder and elbow inward. Then reverse the twist until you are back in an upright Seiuchin-Dachi and strike downline with a right hand horizontal backfist.

(A) Elbow block, backfist strike to head.

(B) The left hand has grabbed the arm creating an arm bar. The right elbow strike breaks the arm. The opponent to the right punches down at your head (you are in a low Seiuchin-Dachi). You raise you arm and block the punch with your elbow and with a whip-like action deliver a backfist to his head.

24. Keep the right foot in place, and cross step to the right with the left foot. The step should be as deep as possible to keep the body low. At same time, bring both hands forward (palms up in a scooping motion). When the hands have reached waist level, draw the right foot up into chambered position and execute stomp kick down line. The movement will finish with the right foot in a chambered position.

(A) Step into the opponent just struck with cross step, reach down and grab the forward leg, lift and upset his balance, stomp downward onto the knee of the supporting leg.

25. Pivot 90 degrees to the left on the ball of the left foot and step back into a left foot forward Seisan-Dachi. At same time, execute a left knife hand outside block. Then draw the left hand back to the left hip and at same time raise the right hand up to chest level in circular scooping motion. Continue the right hand circular motion until it again reaches the right hip, then thrust forward with a left hand palm heel strike to center of the chest. Now pull the left hand to the hip and simultaneously strike upward with the right knee. Push the palm of the left hand outward to the original position when foot resets. Finish with a right hand vertical punch.
(A) The knife hand outside block parries a punch. The lifting motion is a groin strike causing the opponent to start to bend over. The palm heel strikes the chest and grabs hold. You them pull the opponent into and downward into the knee shot to groin and finish with a vertical punch to the solar plexus.

(B) Much the same, however; the knife hand block also grabs striking hands wrist, and upward lifting palm strikes the back of the extended elbow.

26. Pivot 180 degrees to the right on the ball of the left foot and step back into a right foot forward Seisan-Dachi. At same time, execute a left knife hand outside block. Then draw the left hand back to the left hip and at same time raise the right hand up to chest level in circular scooping motion. Continue the right hand circular motion until it again reaches the right hip, then thrust forward with a left hand palm heel strike to center of the chest. Now pull the left hand to the hip and simultaneously strike upward with the right knee. Push the palm of the left hand outward to the original position when foot resets. Finish with a right hand vertical punch.

27. From the right foot forward Seisan-Dachi, keep the left foot in place and step backward with the right foot 45 degrees to the left into a reverse T-stance. At same time, execute a left hand outside block with the right hand leg block. Follow with a right front kick 45 degrees to the right. End this movement with the right foot chambered.

(A) Step back to the left to avoid an attack from the right and counter with a front kick.

28. Keep the left foot in place, and step out straight with the right foot. Pivot on the right foot counter-clockwise 180 degrees, and bring the left foot to the rear of the right foot in a reverse T-stance. At same time, execute a right hand outside block and a left hand leg block. Follow this with left foot front kick 45 degrees to the right (crossbody) down the main kata line. Finish movement with the left foot in a chambered position.

(A) Same as move 27.

29. Step forward with the left foot into a left foot forward Seisan-Dachi. At the same time, bring both hands into spearhand guard position at solar plexus level, with the right hand leading. Now rotate both hands counter-clockwise 90 degrees until the right palm is down and the left palm is up. Now step forward into a right foot forward Seisan-Dachi. At the same time, slide the left palm up hand forward and the right palm down hand to the rear. Now rotate hands clockwise 180 degrees until left hand is palm down and right hand is palm up.

(A) The open hand arm traps at the wrist and at the elbow, rotate the trapped arm to lock elbow, and pressure with the forward hand to dislocate elbow.

(B) You have trapped the opponent's arm and when you turned the arm and applied pressure to break it the opponent drops to his knees to alleviate the pressure. You then step in and the right hand slides back and grabs the arm the left hand had hold of. The hands then turn palm down and palm up. With a down push by the left (leading hand) you snap the opponent's neck.

ENDING

Step up with the right foot and bring the heels together with the feet at a 45 degree angle. Bring the right fist to the solar plexus and the left hand in a palm in shuto on top of the right fist. Lower the hands to in front of the groin. Bring the hands to the thighs (open and palm down). Perform the standing bow. Straighten the body and compose yourself.