Kihon Tips: Maki-Otoshi

Maki-Otoshi:

In two-man kihon, we begin at distance. [/*:m:10lvaheo]
Maintain eye contact. Don't look at the bokken as you try to execute the kihon.[/*:m:10lvaheo]
Starting from hasso-no-kamae, Uke initiates the action by raising the bokken to strike. It is important that uke commit to landing his strike. This is a long distance to cover.[/*:m:10lvaheo]
Tori, starting from honte-no-kamae, steps to a slight forward diagonal to his left.[/*:m:10lvaheo]
Tori should strive to use the last 1/4 to 1/3 of the jo. This creates a more efficient lever to work with.[/*:m:10lvaheo]
Tori's action comes largely from the shoulders. Maintain the grip in honte-no-kamae, and use your shoulders to pivot the jo. This part reminds me of uke's role in gyakute-uchi during two-man kihon.[/*:m:10lvaheo]
Uke should maintain stiff arms for his safety.[/*:m:10lvaheo]
When I first learned this technique, we desribed tori's throwing action as cutting a crescent shape. If you go from the high maki-otoshi position back to honte-no-kame, this crescent is automatic.[/*:m:10lvaheo]

It might also be helpful to review the "Maki-Otoshi from Crossed Weapons" lesson as well.