Mabuni Kenwa’s 5 principles of blocking:

 

 

 

1. Rakka (dropping flower) intercepting an attack by dropping down onto it with such force, that if it was a tree being struck all the leaves or flowers would fall from it's branches.

 

2. Ryu shui (running water) the ability to respond to changing conditions with circular movement. In the same way that flowing water naturally confirms to its path.

 

3. Kusshin (up and down) using vertical movement in order to subjugate an adersary).

 

4. Teni (changing position) thre principles:
i. initiative
ii. combative engagement distance (ma-ai) and
iii. the space between oneself and an opponent necessary for subjugation by shifting and pivoting (tai-sabaki).

 

5. Hangei (countering) the principles of brief but intelligent responses also encompasses the capability to overcome an adversary with or without physical confrontation.

 

From Patrick McCarthy's Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts 2 Pages 23 and 24- abuni Kenwa’s - 5 principles of blocking