Kihon Tips: Gyakute-Tsuki

Gyakute-Tsuki:

In two-man kihon, we begin from weapons crossed at maai.[/*:m:3l1eapna]
Maintain eye contact. Don't look at the bokken as you try to execute the kihon.[/*:m:3l1eapna]
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:3l1eapna]
Tori pushes the jo forward with the back hand. This action allows the forward hand to move upward and the jo to rotate.[/*:m:3l1eapna]
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. The jo should maintain center. Some folks have difficulty with this because of shoulder issues. You can use a mirror if practicing by yourself to monitor the position of the jo.[/*:m:3l1eapna]
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:3l1eapna]
Once you have completed this strike, raise the jo directly overhead again and execute a honte-uchi strike. [/*:m:3l1eapna]

It might also be helpful to review the "Gyakute-Tsuki Double Poke" lesson as well.