The Top Ten Principles Of Yachigusa Ryu Aiki Bugei - #6 Indirect Pressure
Since I first stated that the techniques taught at my school were based on principles, and that we focus more on understanding the principles that makes things work than the techniques themselves, people have e-mailed me asking me if I could explain these principles in more detail.
Unfortunately, trying to explain many of these principals in writing is very difficult, since many can’t be explained in words alone. However, I will try my best to describe these principles for the “blog” readers, using words, charts and pictures.
Keep in mind though, that in order to sometimes fully understand a principle you have to also understand other principles that relate to it. Most principles aren’t fully useable on their own, and have to be integrated with others.
Of all the top ten principles I teach, Indirect Pressure is most likely the one my students have heard the least about. It’s a principle we use a lot, but I rarely point out. I’m not exactly sure why that is the case, but it is. The only excuse I can think of is that we use Indirect Pressure so often I really don’t think about it, and take the principle for granted. So much so, that when trying to think of a specific technique to use for this “blog” I was at a definite loss.
The best analogy for Indirect Pressure I have ever found has nothing to do with the martial arts. However, it has a direct application to the aftermath of a bloody altercation when first aid may be required.
According to the American Red Cross indirect pressure is taught to stop arterial bleeding when other methods have not worked. According to the American Red Cross first aid book:
In other words in order to affect one area of the body, pressure is applied somewhere else. That indirect pressure has a direct cause and affect on the other part of the body.
In essence that is exactly the way indirect pressure is used in the martial arts. We attack one part of the body in a specific way that has a direct effect on another part, or even on the entire skeletal frame.
Most martial art practitioner’s first introduction to the principle of Indirect Pressure happens when they are taught joint locking techniques. The principle is especially important for joint locks used for projecting/throwing an opponent. Consider, for example, a technique like kotegaeshi (wrist rotation).
In kotegaeshi direct pressure is applied to the wrist in order to rotate it. However, the actual technique works because it locks up the shoulder. The force applied to the wrist “indirectly” affects the shoulder.
However, while kotegaeshi is a good example of the principle of Indirect Pressure it should be noted that not all joint locking methods are. In many cases such as yubi waza (finger techniques) and certain ude waza (arm techniques/locks) they are clearly not.
Okay that’s an example of a “tangible” form of Indirect Pressure. Now let me explain an example of the “intangible” type.
First of all, when I use the word intangible, I’m not saying there is no physical connection between a person and their opponent, or there are not clear forces at work. I basically use the word intangible because there are no outwardly visible signs to show the observer what is happening. There is also no direct connection between point “A” where force is applied, and point “B” where the force is felt.
And no this has nothing to do with the application of chi, ki, or any other metaphysical force. It is nothing more than proper body geometry, and don’t let anyone fool you into thinking otherwise.
On the human body there are four specific pivot points, one on each shoulder, and one on each hip.
These points are used to rotate the body, and to destabilize a person’s balance. However, if they are pushed directly, little if anything will happen unless a tremendously high amount of force is used (diagram #1 below). The chances are that one will never be able to rotate an opponent with direct force on the pivot points.
However if attacked indirectly (diagram #2) the body will rotate very easily, and the person will not even realize what is happening until it is too late.
To test the above-diagramed techniques try the following:
Of course the principle of Indirect Pressure can be used in other ways, such as moving around the point of force. For example while you are standing minding your own business a guy grabs your wrist. The guy holding you is 6 foot 7 inches, 450lbs, and is built like a tank. There is no way you can out-muscle this guy, so any effort you make to raise your hand is futile. So what are you going to do?
I know, because I’m describing a cousin of mine and while we were roughhousing I had to figure a way to get away from him besides kicking him in the testicles or eye gouging him—he is family after all.
First of all, you’re never going to move the wrist, the point where this guy is applying “DIRECT PRESSURE.” Even if you can move the arm, which you probably can’t because he is pressing it down, using the old thumb trick to slip your hand out of his hold won't work. His hands are big enough to wrap around. Strike One!
Secondly, you might try striking the arm on a vital point, but if that doesn’t work now you have an angry giant to contend with. The same goes for any other strike or kick you may attempt. Strike 2!
Lastly, you might try to beg for mercy and hope he lets you go. Depending on his mood and his intention that might work. However, there is another way in case this strategy fails.
First of all, let the guy have the limb he wants. That’s the Aiki way. While he is holds your wrist at least he can’t hit you with that hand, making it one less weapon of his to worry about.
Now use indirect pressure to raise your arm and make space. In this case the indirect pressure comes from the shoulder. Yes, the shoulder raises and the arm follows. When done correctly you have basically gone around the point of his force.
Now this won’t get your hand free, but you now have control of your arm, and can move. You have taken his advantage away. Now you can apply other skills in your arsenal to lock up and/or project/throw your opponent to the ground.
Chances are that every martial artist, no matter what style, already uses the principle of Indirect Pressure in some form or another. They may either call it something else, or just do it with out bothering to label it all. Of course there are some practitioners who just don’t care, and will never care, as long as they can do the technique, and the technique works.
After all, we all don’t have a giant cousin to play with and see what techniques we can actually get to work on someone who isn’t quite so accommodating or patient enough to allow you to make a mistake and start over.
To be honest I never really thought about the concept of Indirect Pressure on its own or appreciated the importance of it, until my cousin held me, and threaten to pick me up and slam me to the ground. Necessity is clearly the mother of insight as well as invention.
Unfortunately, trying to explain many of these principals in writing is very difficult, since many can’t be explained in words alone. However, I will try my best to describe these principles for the “blog” readers, using words, charts and pictures.
Keep in mind though, that in order to sometimes fully understand a principle you have to also understand other principles that relate to it. Most principles aren’t fully useable on their own, and have to be integrated with others.
Indirect Pressure
This is another example of a principle that has both a tangible explanation and an intangible explanation depending on how it is used. In either case, both explanations have scientific corroboration to back them up and explain why they work. However, I’d be the first to argue that the intangible variation is better explained through physical demonstration than written description. But I will try my best in both cases.Of all the top ten principles I teach, Indirect Pressure is most likely the one my students have heard the least about. It’s a principle we use a lot, but I rarely point out. I’m not exactly sure why that is the case, but it is. The only excuse I can think of is that we use Indirect Pressure so often I really don’t think about it, and take the principle for granted. So much so, that when trying to think of a specific technique to use for this “blog” I was at a definite loss.
The best analogy for Indirect Pressure I have ever found has nothing to do with the martial arts. However, it has a direct application to the aftermath of a bloody altercation when first aid may be required.
According to the American Red Cross indirect pressure is taught to stop arterial bleeding when other methods have not worked. According to the American Red Cross first aid book:
"When there is hemorrhaging, due to arterial bleeding, with blood gushing out in time with the rhythm of the heart, applying the direct pressure method may not be enough to stop the bleeding. In these cases, apply pressure with your fingers to the artery at a position closer to the heart than the wound itself."
In other words in order to affect one area of the body, pressure is applied somewhere else. That indirect pressure has a direct cause and affect on the other part of the body.
In essence that is exactly the way indirect pressure is used in the martial arts. We attack one part of the body in a specific way that has a direct effect on another part, or even on the entire skeletal frame.
Most martial art practitioner’s first introduction to the principle of Indirect Pressure happens when they are taught joint locking techniques. The principle is especially important for joint locks used for projecting/throwing an opponent. Consider, for example, a technique like kotegaeshi (wrist rotation).
In kotegaeshi direct pressure is applied to the wrist in order to rotate it. However, the actual technique works because it locks up the shoulder. The force applied to the wrist “indirectly” affects the shoulder.
However, while kotegaeshi is a good example of the principle of Indirect Pressure it should be noted that not all joint locking methods are. In many cases such as yubi waza (finger techniques) and certain ude waza (arm techniques/locks) they are clearly not.
Okay that’s an example of a “tangible” form of Indirect Pressure. Now let me explain an example of the “intangible” type.
First of all, when I use the word intangible, I’m not saying there is no physical connection between a person and their opponent, or there are not clear forces at work. I basically use the word intangible because there are no outwardly visible signs to show the observer what is happening. There is also no direct connection between point “A” where force is applied, and point “B” where the force is felt.
And no this has nothing to do with the application of chi, ki, or any other metaphysical force. It is nothing more than proper body geometry, and don’t let anyone fool you into thinking otherwise.
On the human body there are four specific pivot points, one on each shoulder, and one on each hip.
These points are used to rotate the body, and to destabilize a person’s balance. However, if they are pushed directly, little if anything will happen unless a tremendously high amount of force is used (diagram #1 below). The chances are that one will never be able to rotate an opponent with direct force on the pivot points.
However if attacked indirectly (diagram #2) the body will rotate very easily, and the person will not even realize what is happening until it is too late.
To test the above-diagramed techniques try the following:
- First test – Grab one hand and pull the arm as depicted in diagram #1. When that doesn’t work, start pushing the hand to the rear of the person and see how far you have to move it until the body moves. Carefully watch how the body moves. Is it pivoting, twisted, or collapsing onto itself?
- Second Test – Grab the other hand and push it towards the pivot point, the closer against the body the better. Actually it needs to be close to the body to work. Keep extending the hand forward as depicted in diagram #2. If you do this correctly, the body will rotate with almost no force. The person will actually twist around one leg.
- Third Test – Follow all of the instructions for test two, except instead of using the pivot point move the arm somewhere below the chest. Did you get the same results? If you did this test, you’ll discover the person will not rotate, or that it takes a lot more force, and I mean a lot more force, to rotate them.
Example
- The uke has punched at the tori who has stepped to evade. As the punch passes the tori it is “checked” by both hands.
- The tori drops his right hand over the uke’s attacking arm, and pushes downward back towards the uke.
- The tori continues the downward push placing the arm next to the pivot point of the uke’s hip. (The hand and the hip never touch)
- The tori continues pushing the uke’s arm across his body. Notice how the uke is rotating around his back leg. (The picture makes it look like there is a lot of space between the uke’s arm and body, but this photo shows a point after the rotation is almost complete, not the actual moment when the rotation starts. When the rotation starts the uke’s hand is almost near his back leg.)
- The uke is now fully rotated 180-degrees and so off balance making him fall requires no effort.
Of course the principle of Indirect Pressure can be used in other ways, such as moving around the point of force. For example while you are standing minding your own business a guy grabs your wrist. The guy holding you is 6 foot 7 inches, 450lbs, and is built like a tank. There is no way you can out-muscle this guy, so any effort you make to raise your hand is futile. So what are you going to do?
I know, because I’m describing a cousin of mine and while we were roughhousing I had to figure a way to get away from him besides kicking him in the testicles or eye gouging him—he is family after all.
First of all, you’re never going to move the wrist, the point where this guy is applying “DIRECT PRESSURE.” Even if you can move the arm, which you probably can’t because he is pressing it down, using the old thumb trick to slip your hand out of his hold won't work. His hands are big enough to wrap around. Strike One!
Secondly, you might try striking the arm on a vital point, but if that doesn’t work now you have an angry giant to contend with. The same goes for any other strike or kick you may attempt. Strike 2!
Lastly, you might try to beg for mercy and hope he lets you go. Depending on his mood and his intention that might work. However, there is another way in case this strategy fails.
First of all, let the guy have the limb he wants. That’s the Aiki way. While he is holds your wrist at least he can’t hit you with that hand, making it one less weapon of his to worry about.
Now use indirect pressure to raise your arm and make space. In this case the indirect pressure comes from the shoulder. Yes, the shoulder raises and the arm follows. When done correctly you have basically gone around the point of his force.
Now this won’t get your hand free, but you now have control of your arm, and can move. You have taken his advantage away. Now you can apply other skills in your arsenal to lock up and/or project/throw your opponent to the ground.
This is an example of what happens when you try to move with direct pressure, your arm versus his arm. Notice the uke is still in full control. In order for this escape to work one must be a lot stronger than his opponent, and with that kind of force the uke will know you're up to something and most likely counter you.
This is an example of what happens when indirect pressure is applied. In this case the lift is done only with the shoulder and the elbow pulls the arm back after the lift. Notice the difference in the uke’s posture, and that he has a hard time maintaining his grip on the wrist. In this case very little power is used, and the uke shouldn’t feel any change until it is to late to react and counter.
Chances are that every martial artist, no matter what style, already uses the principle of Indirect Pressure in some form or another. They may either call it something else, or just do it with out bothering to label it all. Of course there are some practitioners who just don’t care, and will never care, as long as they can do the technique, and the technique works.
After all, we all don’t have a giant cousin to play with and see what techniques we can actually get to work on someone who isn’t quite so accommodating or patient enough to allow you to make a mistake and start over.
To be honest I never really thought about the concept of Indirect Pressure on its own or appreciated the importance of it, until my cousin held me, and threaten to pick me up and slam me to the ground. Necessity is clearly the mother of insight as well as invention.
Labels: Essays, Principles, Technical
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