Shomen Uchikomi

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Saito's Jo Suburi #6

Art Ward demonstrating.

Front strike, with stepping back

Begin in right hanmi with the jo held horizontally with your left hand at the end of the jo and your right hand a quarter of the way up. Step back with your right foot, raising the jo above your head, pointing it towards the ceiling and angled slightly back. You will be on the left side of the line-of-attack. You will be looking at your attacker under your left hand. Complete the strike shomen strike by stepping forwards with the right foot, bring your hands down and forwards. Strike with the jo to your opponents center. Finish with in a deep right hanmi stance on the right side of the line-of-attack.

Tips:

• "This movement is identical to the second suburi with the sword." Morihiro Saito, Traditional Aikido Volume 1, 1973.
• Make sure your feet are solidly placed so the final shomen strike is powerful. Beginners, in particular, should make sure they get their feet under them before striking.
• Do not grasp too tightly with the right hand as you strike.
• Keep your shoulders down during your strike.
• Your right hand will slide slightly towards your left as the shomen strike finishes. Your hands should be about eight inches apart.

© Copyright 2003, Scott Prahl