Journey with me as I share teachings, reflections, and concepts from my martial arts path that I have named the Ukinju-Ryu Budo Way.
Ukinju-Ryu Budo Concepts-
Frontal and Dorsal Curvature Part 1 and Part 2 (A&B):
Frontal and Dorsal Curvature:
Parts 1- Left/Right Side Differences and Similarities, and the cataloging of the tools or weapons of the body
Part 2- Planes of the body #1 natural, #2 manipulated
In this article, I shall address Part 1 of this foundational Ukinju-Ryu Budo Concept and Part 2 at a future date.
Part 1—Frontal/Dorsal Body Curves, Left/Right Side Differences and Similarities, and the cataloging of the tools or weapons of the body.
Frontal refers to the natural frontal curves and planes of the human physical body structure. The head (face and throat), chest, abdomen, pelvic region, upper and lower legs, and the surfaces of the ankles and feet.
Dorsal refers to the natural dorsal or rear curves and planes of the human physical body structure. The back of the head, neck, shoulders, and thorax, posterior pelvic region, coccyx, back of upper and lower legs, to the Achilles tendons, and heel of feet.
The investigation of these surfaces begins with cataloging of all one’s tools (punches, kicks, etc) on the left and right side of the body, including front or rear-handed positions, and includes those that project forward or backward in their application. Note that this cataloging is a progressive process throughout one’s study, with constant updates, revisions, and undoubtedly countless epiphanies as the person grows. The exploration of the effects of differing sides of the body facing the opponent follows. This includes the compatibility of matching and opposing sides of the body as they face one another, and the pros and cons of effective application of each combination.
One of the beneficial discoveries is that the familiarity of the same or opposite sides of the opponents as the various weapons are practiced, the unique angle and trajectory of each one predetermine the effectiveness of its application. For instance, person A is facing forward with his right foot forward. Person B is facing A with his right foot forward as well. We’ll call this the same side posture variation. Due to the body curvatures, one must match the tools (physical body weapons) to the available angles of attack and exposed targets of the opponent.
If person A chose to use a forward right-hand punch attack to B’s head, he might choose a right straight punch to the face, a right hook to the left temple, or a right ridge hand to the left temple or neck. However, a right back knuckle would need to be aimed at the right temple of B to be effective. A right (forward leg round kick could target B’s groin, thorax, or left side of head, but not B’s back/kidney area. A forward leg (right) heel kick could be aimed at B’s right kidney on his backside, at the back of the right side of the neck, or at the back of B's head.
Conversely, if A has his left foot forward against B’s forward right foot, this changes the choices. A’s left side offers him a forward left straight punch to the face, a left hook to B’s right temple, or a left back knuckle to B’s left temple. A might attempt a forward leg round kick to B’s right kidney, but chances are B’s right elbow can easily block the kick and potentially injure A’s foot in the process. A could get more effective use of a forward side or rear kick, arcing inward towards B’s abdomen. A’s left forward heel hooking kick to B’s chest or face might be a great choice also.
As you game out these strategies of matching weapons to their uses, it becomes clearer that you can effectively reduce your weapon choices by eliminating approximately 50% of your arsenal, according to your side-to-side relationship with your opponent. The great Joe Lewis taught me that ultimately, as you practice, it comes down to about 5 techniques that become your core go-toes. It has been my experience that those 5 favorites may change along the way, but they will become more versatile and develop so that eventually they will become so natural and effortless that they will not have any tells in their delivery, which should be one of your most sought-after goals in engagements.
In Part 2 of this subject I shall discuss The Planes of the body's surfaces, the correspondence to the pressure points/meridians and musculature, and the natural and manipulative structures.
