Augmented formarm block

[Hangetsu-dachi]

Morote-uke

Let's get some chatter going on the site

There are no blocks in Karate... so what do you use Morote-uke for?

Myself... 2 particular waza/techniques. A) The primarily: as a parrying technique setting up an attack with the inner hand (example gyaku-zuki) or where applicable: after the parry.... using the lead hand (example: Oi-zuki)

B) Secondary : as a nage-waza (throwing technique) e.g. maneuvering the lead leg behind the opponent while parrying, then applying the block against the opponent's center/body thus toppling the opponent over my leg (i.e.breaking the opponent's root)

any other applications anyone would like to share?

[RenegadeMonk]

Step into the opponent in back stance. Use either the lead or rear hand of the morote uke to clear (lead) or trap (rear) their lead arm and strike with the other.

[Robert S]

Osae uke with the rear hand and uchi tsuki (ura zuki etc) with the front hand as in Heian 2 and Bassai Dai etc.


Simple application.


Also look at the pressure points the correct osae uke will produce in conjunction with the tsuki waza.


Morote zuki is not just to help strengthen uchi uke, that makes no sense!

[james luke]

alternatively, lead hand as a clearing technique and supporting hand as a strike to kidneys, floating rib etc.

[fujicolt]

Oh James - you have but me in a position that i either have to write pages - or do drawings - that i wouldn't know how to publish

or contact someone whom was at our recent course and ask them about my theory of the ANCHOR! which appears again and again in our Kata!

Sorry but it is one of those - see it and understand quickly - explain it 9within my writing ability) and screw em up! Sorry!

[james luke]

Next time you are in the North east pop into the club and show me Steve! sounds intriguing.

[fujicolt]

Next time you are in the North east pop into the club and show me Steve! sounds intriguing.

Invite me and i will gladly be there when our diaries coincide! Oh and afore you suspect IT AINT ABOUT MONEY! iam often in your area and would be pleased to drop in for an evening - but you pay the bar bill etc!

[james luke]

Thats a deal Steve, I am there every Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday apart from two weeks in Sept. we never close apart from Xmas. Pm me next time you are up this way and bring your thirst with you!

[Josh Hodges]

To me it seems that the application would apply on the execution. I've seen this block executed two different ways. Think of the line of augmented forearm blocks in heian yondan. Where do you chamber this block? Is it form your hip causing the line of motion of the block to be slightly upward or do you chamber the block higher bringing the block down. Either way, it is crucial to connect this block to the movement of your hips. I can see the throw, particularly in the example of heian yondan. Moving into backstance with the leading leg behind the opponents front leg and stepping in rotating your own body, sinking into the stance. As long as the block is connected to the movement of the body, ally oop, there the opponent goes on the floor. An augmented block can also be very effective against strong chudan kicks. After the block you are in the perfect position for kizami zuki or step in with another augmented forearm block as described before sending them to the floor. I am of the opinion that there are blocks in karate, but they are not limited to just blocking a technique.

[magpie]

Some ways to think about it could be a half or complete tai otoshi

[Paul Bedard]

Very well illustrated Frank
Osu
Paul B

[RenegadeMonk]

The problem with the throw application for the morote uke in kokutsudachi is that this technique is usually (can't think of an exception) the start of a sequence: Hiean sandan, yondan and godan all show this technique as the beginning of a sequence of moves that are IMO difficult to show as being against a downed opponent.

In H.Godan and bassai dai there is a morote uke in kosa dachi (cross legged stance) and IMO both of these translate simply and easily as entries/grabs in order to throw with the next movement.

H.Nidan is the first example of morote uke in zenkutsudachi and interestingly this ends a sequence, but, does the preceding technique (gyakuzuki) place the hands in position for this to be the completion of a throw? I don't think so personally, although as a collar and lapel grab like the one in H.Godan it fits, since the following technique (270d turn into low block) easily translates as a throw.

I am sure that in isolation the morote uke movement can be made into a throw, but I think that without the context of the kata we run the risk of missing out on actual learning opportunities. After all, you can only see the throw if you already know the throw, and if you know it why do you need the kata? If however you understand the technique in the context of the sequence within the kata then you can set about working out why that technique follows and precedes the other techniques. Understanding why it is where it is will help you understand something you may not already know about fighting that perhaps you can apply in other circumstances.