Difference between revisions of "X-block"
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==Rising X-block== | ==Rising X-block== | ||
| − | A rising X-block is | + | A rising X-block is just like a downward X-block, except the hands shoot upward at a 45° angle. |
[Video of a rising X-block, slow and fast, from the front and side, with both open and closed hands.] | [Video of a rising X-block, slow and fast, from the front and side, with both open and closed hands.] | ||
Revision as of 22:53, 29 September 2018
Jūji-uke literally translates as “Figure-10 block.” The Japanese character for the number ten (jū) looks like a plus sign; so in Japanese, cross-shapes are “Figure-10's”. Keeping with the spirit of the name, we will call jūji-uke the X-block, for obvious reasons. The X-block is not a commonly-used defense, because it is only appropriate to use against exaggerated attacks directed to the centerline, such as:
- a grid-iron football punt to the groin.
- a lunging punch to the abdomen.
- a downward strike with a club.
However, in each of these cases, X-blocks work amazingly well. X-blocks also require no real use of strength, and they automatically set up sleeve/wrist grabs and joint manipulations (e.g., kote gaeshi, nikkyō, and shihō-nage).
Techniques must be re-chambered twice as fast as they go out. The X-block demonstrates why this is so crucial, because if an opponent rushes in while one’s hands are in the X-block position, they can pushing your forearm against the other, and pinning and trapping both of your arms to your chest.
explain why back is on top
Downward X-block
To perform a downward X-block, chamber both hands to the hips. Then, as you enter a front stance, both hands shoot downward at a 45° angle. Both hands cross just above the wrists; the front-leg side on the bottom, and the back-leg side is on top. The opponent’s attacks will be trapped or jammed between your wrists. It is imperative to employ the Unbendable Arm Technique to keep your arms from buckling; otherwise, the block will collapse and fail.
Do not rotate your wrists; this way if the block misses, the opponent's attack will strike your first two knuckles, effectively creating a double punching block. Alternately, X-blocks can be performed with open hands, with your fingers pointing out to the sides, with the shutō as the point-of-contact.
[Video of a downward X-block, slow and fast, from the front and side, with both open and closed hands.]
Rising X-block
A rising X-block is just like a downward X-block, except the hands shoot upward at a 45° angle.
[Video of a rising X-block, slow and fast, from the front and side, with both open and closed hands.]
