This article was co-authored by John Graden
. John Graden is a Martial Arts Expert and the founder of the Martial Arts Teachers’ Association (MATA) based in Tampa Bay, Florida. An 8th-degree black belt, John offers a variety of courses, including Student Safety, Real Estate Agent Safety, Anti-Abduction, and Customized Self Defense. He also provides training in Verbal Defense, Public Speaking, and Leadership. Dubbed the "Teacher of Teachers" by Martial Arts World magazine, John has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on the A&E Network, and the Dr. Oz Show.
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Martial artists can get out of the line of attack by using Tai Sabaki techniques. This is a general guide that can be used with many styles such as karate, aikido or jujitsu. The explanation will be on Hanmi, Irimi, Issoku Irimi, Tenkai, Tenkan, Irimi Tenkan & Hanta Tenkan. For the purpose of easy understanding, all technique will start from Migi Hanmi (Right Foot Forward Stance) & the martial artist is presumed to face north. For the meaning of the terms used, see the tips column.
Steps
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This movement is also commonly known as "kaiten." From Migi Hanmi, perform Issoku Irimi, that is, step through with the back foot. Then pivoting on the ball of the new front foot, turn 180 degrees in the direction of your back. You should now be facing in the opposite direction and in the opposite stance (Hidari Hanmi) to when you started.
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From Migi Hanmi, perform Issoku Irimi that is step through with the back foot. Pivot on the ball of your front foot (left foot), then turn as if performing a tenkan but only 90 degrees (to your right). Your back should be facing west and you should now be facing off to the side of your original direction (your front body will now be facing east)in Hidari Hanmi (that is the opposite stance to when you started).
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
- HIDARI HANMI = It is the mirror of MIGI HANMI that is a ready or fighting stance whereby the left foot is in front and the right foot is behind the left foot.Thanks
- Benefits of Tai Sabaki: If you are well versed in Tai Sabaki, you can avoid being hit without the need of blocking with your hand. You can also avoid or dodge a sword attack.Thanks
- MIGI HANMI = It is a ready or fighting stance whereby the right foot is in front and the left foot is behind the right foot. As an analogy, it is more or less similar to a fighting stance, small forward stance or sanchin stance in Karate.Thanks
Warnings
- Never rely on footwork alone to prevent an attack.Thanks
- you should always stretch before performing any of these moves.Thanks