Kihon Tips: Kaeshi-Tsuki

Kaeshi-Tsuki:

In two-man kihon, we begin from weapons crossed at maai.[/*:m:2py3g88t]
Maintain eye contact. Don't look at the bokken as you try to execute the kihon.[/*:m:2py3g88t]
Uke initiates the action by raising the bokken to strike. It is important that uke not commit weight forward, otherwise he may not be able to escape safely.[/*:m:2py3g88t]
Tori pushes the jo forward with the back hand. This action allows the forward hand to move upward and the jo to rotate.[/*:m:2py3g88t]
Practice the rotation slowly to ensure you are keeping the jo rotating in a single plane pointing at uke. It is very easy to allow the jo to swing out so that the tip of the jo loses alignment with uke.[/*:m:2py3g88t]
Turning action comes from the hips.[/*:m:2py3g88t]
As the jo drops, keep it close to you. When I was learning jo, we tried to allow the jo to brush our gi as it moved into the bottom position.[/*:m:2py3g88t]
Allow your weight to sink downward.[/*:m:2py3g88t]
When pushing forward to strike, you may find it helpful to push the jo with the palm of your rear hand. As the jo pushes forward, your hand will naturally rotate to a grip.[/*:m:2py3g88t]
The initial strike is at uke's center. It is unsafe to come to the eyes immediately, should you lose balance, accidentally fall, or uke respond improperly. Target uke's center line at his sternum.[/*:m:2py3g88t]
Once you have completed this strike you can safely move to jo to cover uke's eyes, as you are no longer moving.[/*:m:2py3g88t]
Repeat steps on the other side.[/*:m:2py3g88t]