Requirements for Rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt
Look below for an overview of rank requirements. If you have any questions, bring them to class so we can work through them.
3rd Degree Black Belt Katas and Sets:
Adult Card
Long Eight (knives)
Stance Set 2
Finger Set 2
Coordination Set 2
Kids Card
Short Form 3, Right Side
3rd Degree Black Belt Techniques:
For an overview of all belt requirements, download the 3rd Degree Black card here.
1 • OBSCURE CLAWS2 • ENCOUNTER WITH DANGER
3 • CIRCLING DESTRUCTION
4 • DETOUR FROM DOOM
5 • SQUATTING SACRIFICE
6 • ESCAPE FROM DEATH
7 • BRUSHING THE STORM
8 • MENACING TWIRL
9 • LEAP FROM DANGER
10 • CIRCLES OF PROTECTION
11 • CIRCLE OF DOOM
12 • BROKEN GIFT
13 • HEAVENLY ASCENT
14 • CAPTURING THE STORM
15 • CONQUERING SHIELD
16 • TAMING THE MACE
17 • TWIRLING SACRIFICE
18 • CROSS OF DEATH
19 • SECURING THE STORM
20 • INTERCEPTING THE RAM
21 • KNEEL OF COMPULSION
22 • CLIPPING THE STORM
23 • GLANCING WING
24 • THE BACK BREAKER
Use the typefaces to help you scan quickly:
All stances are in bold
Each foot change is in italics
Each strike is underlined
1 • OBSCURE CLAWS
(left hand to right shoulder rear grab)
The right rebounds from the heart hit, rolling over clockwise to backnuckle through the nose, followed by a left heelpalm claw through the face as you drop to a twist stance. Unwind from the twist back through his face with a left backnuckle and right heelpalm claw, pulling you into a right side kick to the knee that lands to a left spinning back kick.
1) natural stance, R foot step back to L neutral bow, R rear claw through face
- R foot step forward to R neutral bow, R forearm uppercut to L arm, breaking his elbow, L claw to face (fingers pointing R, toward 3)
-L foot step to 2 o’clock, pivoting clockwise to R neutral bow facing 6 o’clock, R backnuckle through ribs (hitting out, thumb up), R inverted backnuckle through mastoid (pulling in, thumb down)
- L heelpalm to belly (fingers pointing R, to 9), collapsing attacker, R forward bow
-R inverted backnuckle (thumb down) to heart, R neutral bow
2) R backnuckle clockwise through the nose
-L inward heelpalm claw clockwise through R jaw
-as you drop to R front twist stance, then unwind counterclockwise back with
3) L backnuckle counterclockwise through the nose
-R inward heelpalm claw counterclockwise through L jaw
-R knife edge thrust kick to inside R knee, land with R front crossover to
-R front twist stance
-L back kick to groin
An optional weapon with (2) and (3) is the use of heelpalm claws instead of backnuckles. Being more uniform, it requires less thought, and might be a bit faster. • If he’s retreated back out of range of the final back kick, you could make use of your spin to throw you forward into a right spinning back kick, or make use of the third leg of Kicking Set One, following the left back with left roundhouse, front, and side kicks. • It is possible to, and some do, omit the final left back kick, instead landing with a deeper front crossover, and continuing to pivot left, unwinding counterclockwise into a right roundhouse kick to the left kidney.
2 • ENCOUNTER WITH DANGER
(two-handed knock-down push)
Follow up the left back kick with a right front kick and right uppercut punch, the punch turning over to backnuckle his head as you left crossover into him, unwinding from the twist stance with a left uppercut that also circles around to backnuckle his head as you right crossover into him, unwinding from that twist with a right punch downward through the jaw, turning you counterclockwise to set up a final right stiff-legged kick to the groin.
1) natural stance, tuck your chin forward as you fall to keep the back of your head from bouncing on the ground as you break your fall with your hands forward and out to the side as you L vertical heel kick to groin
-turn counterclockwise over onto your L side to R slicing side kick to best available target, L foot covering groin at 45º angle
-turn counterclockwise up onto your hands and knees to L back kick to face, L foot land forward into him as you continue the counterclockwise pivot, arising to L neutral bow facing 12 o’clock
2) step-through R snapping front kick to groin, land forward to R neutral bow with a
-R uppercut to heart
3) L front crossover to L front twist stance
-your R fist circles back in clockwise to R backnuckle to R temple
-unwind from twist to L neutral bow as you L uppercut to heart
- R front crossover to R front twist stance
-your L fist circles back in counterclockwise to L backnuckle to L temple
4) unwind counterclockwise through R neutral bow as you
-R overhead downward punch to L jaw, landing in a
-L reverse close kneel
-R rear stiff-leg kick to groin
All the punches of the ending are circles, it’s an altogether circular ending.
3 • CIRCLING DESTRUCTION
(step through straight left punch)
Your right leg bounces back from the scoop kick to side-kick his left leg, then (after taking him to the ground with a right inward elbow and a double heel palm) left front crossover into him to deliver a right side kick to the spine. Drop a right knee to the spine and bounce up to spin clockwise into a left roundhouse kick to the head (ala the left side of Leap of Death).
1) R neutral bow, R foot offstep to 1 o’clock, R neutral bow, R inward parry
-L outward hooking parry (waiter’s check to attacking arm)-R backnuckle to floating ribs
-L foot step to 4 o’clock-L heelpalm claw to jaw R forward bow
-R inward handsword to R side of neck R neutral bow
-R hand cups chin, L hand brace against L shoulder- R hand pulls back, L push breaking neck- R front scoop kick to groin from behind, landing back and returning to
2) R slicing side kick to back of L knee, forcing him to kneel and turn into
-R inward elbow to head with L hand for sandwich
-drop him onto his front with a double heelpalm to lower back, head facing to about 10:30 as you
-L front crossover R stomp to lower spine, slipping of to land R as you
-L front crossover to L heel stomp to L side of head as you drop to
-R knee dropon spine (or below shoulder blades), with L close kneel, with
-R downward heelpalm to back of head
3) push up from heelpalm with R hand, as you
-leap up and spin clockwise to land with L looping downward roundhouse kick to head
The dual left front crossovers allow opportunities for stomps, particularly the first, as he falls forward, where you can use the stomp to keep his left from coming up in a heel kick.
4 • DETOUR FROM DOOM
(step-through right roundhouse kick)
After offstepping with the downward hammer, lift him back up with a left heelpalm into a right inward elbow, that opens up to backnuckle his head as you right step back through, to rebound with a step-through right front kick and final outward right backnuckle.
1) R neutral bow, L offstep to 4:30 and drag up to R 45º cat
-L downward block to kick/R vertical punch to face
-R front kick to groin, land forward to 10:30 R neutral bow
-R check down on L arm- L vertical punch to solar plexus, over R arm
- R backnuckle to stomach, L backnuckle to head
-L hooks over back of neck, pulling down head- L foot offstep to 3 o’clock to R neutral bow- R hand continues counterclockwise circle to R downward hammerfist to neck, which hooks back up, pulling his head up to set up
2) L heelpalm to R jaw, R forward bow
-L foot step to 7 o’clock to R neutral bow with a
-R inward elbow to L jaw
3) R foot step back to 4:30 to L neutral bow
-R downward backnuckle through R jaw, through to R hip
-L inward horizontal heelpalm to head
4) R step through front kick to groin, land to R neutral bow with a
-R upward stiff-arm backnuckle counterclockwise through R jaw
5 • SQUATTING SACRIFICE
(rear arms-free bear hug)<
Clear away his arm with your right foot, then spin to your left with left/right/left kicks to his face.
1) natural stance, R foot step to 3 o’clock low horse stance
-twin downward elbow strikes to forearms, as you sit on his knee- both hands grab his ankle- squat down and yank up to break his knee
- R back kick through his face- rebounding from the kick to 7:30 to plant your R foot by his L hip L close kneel on groin, still facing 12 o’clock
-your hands grip his ankle, L on top, twist clockwise, flipping him onto his stomach- pivot clockwise to face 6 o’clock R close kneel, keep his R leg tucked against your R arm
- L step through forward, kicking up L arm L close kneel- L hand grab his L wrist- R hand slide up R leg to grab R ankle
-yank up with both hands to arch back, R stomp to spine
-sweep kick to L elbow- land in R front crossover, L step out to R 45º cat
2) R foot sweeps back against his L arm, clearing it to against his body, then
-L front shovel kick to face, land back feet together
-R slicing side kick through face, turning left to R rear cat
-L spinning back kick to best available target
All of the stances of the ending are transitional. You can stop and show them, but you never land in them, simply passing through them as you move in with your kicks after the right clearing sweep, left/right/left. • The best target for your kicks would probably be the head, but see what’s available, using the first to lift him up, and the second may well be the clearest target you get, with the third kick as backup.
6 • ESCAPE FROM DEATH
(rear right arm choke)
Use your right knee kick to open him up to a left side kick against his left knee, grabbing on to turn him around, back to you, so you can yank him into another right knee kick that straightens out to right stomp down on his right ankle.
1) natural stance, R foot step to 3 o’clock to horse stance
-turn head to L and tuck chin to prevent choke, R hand grabbing
and pulling down his R wrist
-L rear elbow to solar plexus
-L hammerfist to groin
-Shoot L leg behind attacker, pivot counterclockwise L close kneel
-R hammerfist to groin
-L hammerfist to kidney
-L hand grab his hair, pull straight down
-R heelpalm to chin
-R knee kick to R thigh, land back to feet together, use this to open him up
2) L step through side kick to L knee
-L hand grab onto his L shoulder
-L step back straight behind you to land in R front twist stance, turning him around
3) unwind with a R downward inward raking hammerfist across face and chest, turning him around, his back to you, as you land to
-R neutral bow, grabbing his shoulders, yank him back into
-R knee kick to spine or head, landing to
-R stomping side kick to his R ankle
The Larry Tatum version uses a claw to turn him around, adding the right inward hammerfist to the turn:
-L step back to 3 o’clock in R front twist stance, L arm in front,
3) unwind with L heelpalm claw through face and R downward inward raking hammerfist across face and chest, turning him around, back to you
I feel much more secure with the grab, but the claw might work.
7 • BRUSHING THE STORM
(right flank step-through right overhead club)
Land forward into him from the right side kick, driving him to the ground with your right elbow as your left hand picks up his left ankle, and flip him onto his right side. Left stomp on his knee, and kick counterclockwise through him with a right kick to his groin, spinning left kick to his ribs and right roundhouse to his face.
1) natural stance, R foot step to 2 o’clock modified R neutral bow (heel-toe line), L inward parry to R wrist- R heelpalm to chin
-L step-through to 2 o’clock L neutral bow, L inward parry to R elbow- R downward vertical elbow to R kidney
-R offstep to 10 o’clock L neutral bow, L check to hip, R hand track down R leg, picking him up below the knee
-pull back to L 45º cat stance, L check controlling his R leg, R hand pulling back, stretching him off balance
-L front kick to groin, land back feet together, R knife-edged side kick to L leg, buckling knee to the ground.
2) land into his L leg, R neutral bow, R inward elbow strike driving into his hip or kidney
-L hand grab his L ankle
-R hand crosses over on top of L, grabbing his instep (your R hand is crossed over your L), in an ankle lock to prevent him from turning into a kick
-flip him clockwise onto his right side (pushing down with your L, pulling up with your R), still in R neutral bow, between his legs
3) L thrusting sweep kick to knee, forcing him to stay on his side, landing forward off leg
-R slicing side kick through groin, land with R stomp to ribs
-L spinning back kick to ribs, land with gauging step to allow
-R step-through roundhouse kick to face, land R front crossover
Don’t take him onto his back with the flip, as that will allow him to retaliate. Keeping him on his side immobilizes him.
8 • MENACING TWIRL
(rear left hand pulling belt grab)
The right knee kick resolves to a scraping stomp down his right leg, then put him into the splits with a right side kick to his left leg and roundhouse to his right, landing him into a right upward forearm that loops diagonally down as a right hammerfist and back in as a right roundhouse punch.
1) natural stance, R footsteps back to 7:30 R rear twist stance- R outward downward block to grabbing hand, L hand middle check
-unwind clockwise to R neutral bow facing 6 o’clock (and attacker), L heelpalm to chin
-step through L knee kick to groin, step-through R knee roundhouse kick to inside R thigh land into him with a
2) R scraping stomp down R leg to instep, rebound to
-R knife-edge side kick to inside L knee (L step out if you need the space before the kick, try not to land after, but go directly into)
-R roundhouse kick to inside R knee, land into him to R neutral bow with a
3) R upward forearm to chin
-R downward hammerfist through chest
-R hook punch to L jaw, continuing counterclockwise pivot to land in
-R reverse bow
The ending goes 1-2-3 right kicks/1-2-3 right punches, and blends nicely into adding a final right upward straight-legged kick. • The downward hammerfist goes through the collarbone, across the chest, up around and back in as a roundhouse punch
9 • LEAP FROM DANGER
(rear two-hand high push)
Continue the clockwise spin with an inward right crescent that lands behind his right leg to then sweep him.
1) natural stance, R shoulder roll forward to 12 o’clock, coming up stepping out R foot to L neutral bow facing back to 6 o’clock
-offstep L to 4:30 into R roundhouse kick to solar plexus landing forward
to 4:30feet together as you spin counterclockwise into L spinning back kick to ribs
2) land in toward him to a L front twist stance, then step through with
-R inward crescent kick through face, landing behind his R leg
-R rear sweep against his R knee, taking him down as you
-R ridgearm to throat (or best target)
Larry Tatum replaces the final right rear sweep with a right reverse heel kick back through the right knee followed by an inward roundhouse kick to the nearest target. • Use the landing into the left front twist stance as a gauging step, making sure that you’ve left enough space to set up a good toe/heel line for your right kicks. Ideally, all three kicks could happen without moving your left foot again. But maybe you’ll have to, as he reacts to the kicks.
10 • CIRCLES OF PROTECTION
(step through right overhead punch)
Continue that outward circling left claw into a grab to the inside of his right hand as you left step back and break his arm with a right outward block. Step into him with a left kick/ left punch and right kick/right punch, finishing him with a left spinning back kick.
1) natural stance, L step forward to 10:30 to L forward bow
-R upward block to punch
-L heelpalm to face
-L neutral bow
-L claw through the face continuing outward to pin R arm to body
-R hand circle outward to R upward heelpalm claw to groin & grab testicles
-L hand continues circle to check over R forearm
-L foot shuffle forward, L neutral bow
-L hand continues circle to L backnuckle to face
-R hand yanks back on testicles
2) L hand continues down his arm, then to grab his R wrist as you
-L step back to R neutral bow with a
-R inward downward raking mace across his chest
-R hand continuing up under his R arm, turning under his elbow to R vertical outward block, elbow break your R hand above his elbow, L hand pulling in on his R wrist, just R of your own center line
3) L thrusting sweep kick against his R knee as you switch hands, R sliding down to his wrist, L inward heelpalm for another elbow break
-land from kick into him to L front twist stance as you L vertical punch to chin
4) R front kick to groin or R knee as you L heelpalm check down on his already damaged R arm
-R foot land forward from kick to R neutral bow with R stiff arm raise to L jaw
5) R step back with R front crossover to set up
-L spinning back kick to groin, or whatever’s available
After the arm break of (2) the kick/punches proceed in a 1-2, 2 rhythm. Each kick is with a heelpalm strike to the right arm, each landing from the kick is with a right strike to the head. You can divide up the first move of the ending, dropping to a left close kneel with the raking hammerfist, and stepping back with an upward heelpalm to break the elbow. This version combines the close kneel into the step back, and the upward heelpalm into the outward block. I reckon it’s faster. • The right outward block gives you the chance to do damage to his elbow, but don’t let it devolve to a wresting match, taking away from your drive forward with the L/R kicks. • Use your checks, left and right to drive away the attacker as you go into him with the final left spinning back kick.
11 • CIRCLE OF DOOM
(right step-through front kick)
Add a left backnuckle as you land from the heel kick to the face, then spin right into him and use a right claw to pull him into a left uppercut, the claw circling around to come back as a right hook. Then front crossover step out into him with a right backnuckle/left heelpalm.
1) R neutral bow, lower R arm, dropping your guard as you pivot L to R reverse bow, inviting his kick, so you may
-circle R hand upward into R vertical outward block, catching his kicking leg, continuing the circle into an R extended outward block, dumping his leg to your R with a
-R vertical rear heel kick to groin, land R foot by L, continue pivot counterclockwise into L hooking heel kick to face, land back to 6 o’clock in a L reverse twist stance
-land with a L backnuckle to the face
2) unwind R clockwise all the way to R front rotating twist with a
-R hand circles down and ccw back in with a R heelpalm claw down through the face
-L uppercut to same spot on R ribs
3) pivot L to R neutral bow R hook punch to head
4) L thrust kick to R leg (L front crossover) to L front twist stance with
-R backnuckle through R jaw
-unwind R to L neutral bow with L heelpalm to face
The Larry Tatum version is much simpler, skipping that first retreating backnuckle to begin with the unwinding left hook to the ribs, then right hook to the face, then stepping through him with the right backnuckle and left heelpalm (L/R/R/L). • Think of adding an outward right backnuckle to right ribs before the right heelpalm before the left punch to the ribs- making the ending strikes:
L backnuckle/R backnuckle/R inward heelpalm/L hook/R hook/R backnuckle/L heelpalm
The makes the whole pattern start off with two straight shots driving the guy back, then hitting in with the R/L/R hooks followed by two final straight shots. A kind of dreadful symmetry.
12 • BROKEN GIFT
(right handshake)
Still holding onto his right hand, your right elbow smashes through his jaw, in/out/up, then hammerfist down on his upturned elbow. Step back right to left kick his groin, right side-kick his far knee, and pivot left to left scoop kick out through his groin.
1) natural stance, R hand grab his grabbing R hand, L hand grab R wrist as you L foot step into him to 1 o’clock to L neutral bow, flap up L elbow against his elbow, then
-using L hand as an oarlock, R hand twist clockwise as you L step back to 7 o’clock to R neutral bow, your L hand yanking back on his R wrist, pulling him off balance past L hip and turning his elbow up, then R hammerfist through elbow to R backnuckle to face
2) L foot offstep to 4 o’clock to R neutral bow as you R inward horizontal elbow to jaw
-R outward elbow to jaw
-R upward elbow to chin
-R downward hammerfist to his R elbow
3) both hands grab his L wrist and R step back to L neutral bow facing 4:30, pulling his arm down across your body
-L front snap kick to solar plexus
-R side kick to L inner knee land in R front crossover toward 6 o’clock
-L rear scoop kick to chin
You leave with a spinning left rear scoop kick. • The pull of (1) and (3) is pretty much the same move, doing the same job- pulling him into a new hit.
13 • HEAVENLY ASCENT
(two-handed choke)
As his hands come up to protect his face grab onto his wrists, stepping back to deliver a left/right chicken kick, your right hand backnuckling up/down, hammering in/out through the face, the last hit with a left rear crossover into him. The hammerfist crashes down to the groin as the right leg steps back to sweep, then rebounds forward in a front crossover as your right hand rips forward.
1) natural stance, R step forward to 12 o’clock to R forward bow
-double fist through the chin, landing to R neutral bow, breaking his grip with your shoulders
-come back down with R downward backnuckle through face, pivoting to R forward bow with L downward heelpalm claw to face
-pivot back to R neutral bow with R upward half-fist to throat, L middle check
2) as his hands come up to protect his throat, both your hands turn out to grab both his wrists, pulling him down as you
3) R step through back to 6, L neutral bow
-L front kick to groin, land feel together
-R front kick, to heart, land forward (switching front chicken kick) to
4) R neutral bow as you
-R inward backnuckle up L through his chin
-R outward backnuckle down R through nose, then circle around ccw back up to come down with a
-R inward hammerfist down L through jaw
5) L rear crossover R front twist stance as you
-R outward hammerfist across nose (like an outward block)
6) R step out to 2 o’clock, R leg sweep against his L knee R reverse bow with
-R heelpalm claw to groin, grab hold
-R step through forward, to 8 o’clock as your
-R hand rips off testicles as you cross out
14 • CAPTURING THE STORM
(right step-through overhead club)
The club smashes down on his arm and back up to the back of his head, then in and out through his right knee, then sweeps up through his face as you left thrust sweep through his left leg. Unwind and sweep him as the club smashes down through his knee then circles back through onto him, in/out, in/out, as you right crossover into him then drag up to step back.
1) natural stance, L step forward to 11 0’clock to horse stance with cross-handed parry (R hand over L) to wrist, continuing his swing as R hand turns clockwise, both hands grab his wrist (palms facing out)
-R foot step through forward to 11 o’clock, continuing his club swing through his R knee, forward to up over your head, inverse R neutral bow (heel-toe line)
-L hand continues to grab wrist, R hand slides down to pull club out of his hand forward, L foot step through forward to 9 o’clock, pivot counterclockwise to R neutral bow as R hand continues counterclockwise circle to R downward club to elbow
2) R hand slide up his arm to R upward club to back of his head
-R inward club through his R knee
-R outward club through R knee
3) L sweep kick to back of R leg (L front crossover to L front twist stance) with a
-R backhanded upward club through face
-pivot R, unwinding to R step through to the rear with R stiff-leg sweep to 4:30 against R leg, land to L neutral bow
-as the club follows the same direction with a R diagonal downward outward club through L knee as he falls
4) pivot to L forward bow with R inward club to chest, knocking him to his back
-R front crossover to 10:30 to R front twist stance with R outward club to best target
-L foot drag up to feet together with R inward club through face
-R foot step back to 8 to L forward bow with R outward club to head
If you’ve learned Long 6 you’ve already learned most all this ending, both sides. • You can make the final front crossover into a kick, at least going through whatever he’s left in your way.
15 • CONQUERING SHIELD
(left bent arm lapel grab)
Follow the right downward claw with a straight left punch. Then lift him up to the left with a right forearm and claw him to the right to lift him with a left forearm as you left step through kick to the groin. Then reverse your drive with a rear crossover/ left sweep as you right heelpalm/ left hammerfist into him, rebounding from the sweep with a front crossover as your hammerfist rebounds to outward block his face, then right step back with a right hammerfist, to come back in with a final left front kick.
1) natural stance, L hand pins his grabbing hand to your chest, step into him with R front kick to R knee as you R inward block to R arm/R vertical punch to face
-land forward R neutral bow as you R downward elbow to R arm, pulling him down to R upward elbow to chin, R downward heelpalm claw to face
2) L vertical punch to heart, R hand pins his L to your chest, pivot R to R forward bow
-R upward forearm to chin, pivot L to R neutral bow
3) R outward claw through face, turning him as you drive into him with
-L knee kick to groin, land into attacker toward 1:30, L knee against his R knee, to L neutral bow, buckling his L leg, with
-L upward forearm to chin
-R rear crossover to 1o:30, to R rear twist stance with R inward heelpalm to L jaw, L check to solar plexus
4) L sweep back against his R knee, to L reverse bow, L hammerfist to groin, R high check
-L front crossover to 2 o’clock to L front twist stance,with L backnuckle to nose or L jaw (L vertical outward block)
-L step back out to 6 o’clock to R neutral bow, with R downward diagonal hammerfist through L jaw
5) L front shovel kick to groin, land forward
Think of the attack as a pin- the attacker would have his left hand on you, thumb down, pinning you to the wall, and giving you the opportunity to go after his offered elbow. It also can work as an attack on your part, or just as he lays his hand on you- any instance that he has his elbow out, to attack with your conquering shield. It also works just fine with his arm bent, and you just collapse it further as you punch in. Always beware of insisting on an ideal attack, work with what you are given. • You can organize this technique as one long drive forward, all the way through the left rear sweep and left hammerfist, and finished by those four left leg maneuvers – the sweep/crossover with outward block/step back through with hammerfist/ front kick. • Another clean way to structure it is 1-2-3, 1-2-3 (L punch/R forearm/ L forearm), (R heelpalm & L hammerfist/ L outward block hammer/ R downward hammer).
16 • TAMING THE MACE
(step through straight right punch)
Land back from the knee kick with a left heelpalm, pinning him as you switch to drive into him with a right heelpalm that claws down through his face, right inward elbow to the jaw, then right backnuckle up to the head as you left punch to the heart. Pivot left to a reverse bow w as you right hammerfist the groin then bounce back up to grab on to his head and yank him down to a knee kick.
1) natural stance, L foot step to 10:30, L inward parry, R downward chop to R bicep, L hand grab R wrist, R backnuckle to temple
-R hand grabs R shoulder, L foot steps back to 4:30 to R front twist stance
-unwind counterclockwise to R neutral bow, R inward elbow to throat, R roundhouse knee kick to groin
2) R leg land back to L neutral bow
-L inward chop to throat
-L inward (palm down) heelpalm to solar plexus (as in Parting Wings)
3) switch (L step back/R step forward) to R neutral bow with
-R heelpalm to chin
-R downward claw through face, circle back up as you
-shuffle forward to R neutral bow with R inward elbow to
L jaw/L heelpalm to R jaw (elbow sandwich)
4) pivot clockwise to R forward bow with
-R backnuckle to R jaw/L vertical punch to heart
5) pivot counterclockwise to R neutral bow with
-R hammerfist to groin/L heelpalm to R jaw
-L hands claws to L side of face as R backnuckle to R temple
4) grab head (arms crossed, L on top), yank head down into
-R knee kick to face, land R front crossover
There’s a lot of parallel structure in this technique- the left/left, right/right strikes of (2) and (3), ending the Green base technique with an elbow sandwich that is repeated in (3), the right backnuckle/left punch of (4) followed by the left heelpalm/right hammerfist of (5). • You have many chances to use your checking left as a weapon, clawing right through the face as you pivot left into the groin hammerfist, coming back in as a strike to grab the head, using it earlier as a strike to the head with the inward elbow, stuff like that.
17 • TWIRLING SACRIFICE
(full Nelson, fully applied)
Let him slide to the ground, and holding to his ankles, step back and flip him onto his front, then cross his ankles right over left and shuffle in to pin and break them with a left close kneel as you punch to his back. Shuffle back, breaking his right ankle, and stomp it on the way out.
1) natural stance, as the attacker bends you over with a full Nelson
R foot step to 3 o’clock to horse stance,
-shift your weight to your R foot, through a R reverse close cat stance
-shoot L foot to 8 o’clock around behind attacker’s legs to deep horse stance as you grab over attacker’s legs around knees with both arms and lift attacker off the ground
-then spin attacker’s head counterclockwise into the closest wall
2) let him slide to the floor, grabbing his ankles high on your chest, near your shoulders, his legs spread, his right foot to your left, his left against your right, and
-L foot step back to R neutral bow, flipping so that his back is jammed to the wall, chest facing you, then
-drag up R knife-edged side kick to jaw or throat, scraping stomp down on face
-land back to L neutral bow as you flip him onto his front, legs facing you, his head jammed against the wall
3) lay his R ankle down on the back of his L thigh, and pin it there by folding up his L leg
-shuffle forward to a L close kneel, R shin smashing against his L shin, L knee attacking his pinned R foot
-R heelpalm to best available target
4) grab his R ankle with both hands and shuffle back as you twist R, dislocating ankle
-L front crossover stomp to L ankle as you cross out
If he’s starting to get up, or is pulling you forward after your left step back, shuffle back, pulling him off balance. It’s the same sort of adjustment to balance we can make with Sleeper, or do with any other technique where you actually pull him along the floor, as in the ending to Dance of Death. • If he doesn’t rise up enough to enable the right heelpalm, then make it a right punch to the spine.
18 • CROSS OF DEATH
(two-hand cross choke)
Go after his base with your right foot, taking out his left knee with inward/outward kicks that land forward to take out his right knee with a side-kick. Then left rear crossover stomp at his left foot simultaneously with a right downward heelpalm though the face and immediately step back through to your neutral bow as you claw back through his face.
1) natural stance, L hand pins down his right, coming up from underneath, so that your hand is between his hand and your neck
-R step forward to 12 o’clockto R neutral bow, buckling his R knee
-R inward block to elbow, breaking it, continue to R vertical punch to face
-L uppercut to stomach
-R forearm checks down across both arms
-R forward bow
-L hand circles counterclockwise through L vertical outward block as it strikes the opponent’s left arm, circling under in to grab his right wrist, then pushing down to pin both arms against him as you
-L foot offstep up circle to 4 o’clock R neutral bow as you
-R downward hammerfist to L kidney
-R hand continues clockwise circle to R backnuckle to face grab shoulder
2) R downward roundhouse kick through L knee, don’t land from kick
-R outward hook kick to inside of L knee, yanking his knee back
-land into attacker with R side kick to R knee
3) L rear crossover stomp to L ankle with
-R downward heelpalm (fingers pointing in) to L jaw, L check
-L foot step through back to 7, to R neutral bow facing 12 o’clock, with
-R outward claw through face
The technique works best when you really stretch out that far leg with the side kick to the knee. Destroy his base, and he gives you the left ankle to stomp. • Follow the three right kicks immediately with the left rear crossover, think of that whole sequence as one move. • Keep your elbow tucked in close for the final downward claw, to pull him back with you. You have also a sequential opportunity with your left check, to add a claw to the face.
19 • SECURING THE STORM
(step-through right roundhouse club)
Once he’s on his back, rip out the club and stab it straight into him, then shove it under his bent arm onto his neck and drop on it with a right heelpalm. Scoot to your left, and yank it horizontally across his face, then twist it out to the left, looping it over for a final clockwise whack to the head.
1) natural stance, L foot step to 12 o’clock to L neutral bow with a L extended outward block/R vertical punch.
-R foot offstep to 10 o’clock to L neutral bow as your L arm hooks around attacker’s R arm, and shoots a L uppercut to elbow for an arm break, forcing attacker to step forward as you
-L offstep to 10 o’clock, your R foot stepping behind attacker’s R leg as you knock him backwards to the ground with a R heelpalm strike to chin as you pivot to a L forward bow, his club-holding R hand firmly pinned by your L arm
2) R hand reaches under his pinned L, grabbing club and pulling it out downward against his thumb, grabbing it in the middle to
-R club stab to chest, then shoot the club under his arm to
-R club stab to jaw, planting it L end on the ground, R end on his neck, then drop to a
-R heelpalm against the club, striking it below (to your L) his still bent arm, which you hold pinned now at the wrist, as you drop to a
L close kneel -your R hand now grabs the club
3) R foot step through clockwise to 11, to above his head, directly in line with his body, now facing 6, again in a L close kneel
-as your L hand grabs the club on the L end, you’re now holding the club perpendicular across his neck as you
-shuffle back, dragging the club through his face, possibly breaking his neck
4) twist the club out counterclockwise as you cross out, then whip it back with a R downward club to his head.
Pulling the club from his hand offers you some sequential opportunity through the face as you bring it through for the stab. • In (2), after the stab to the throat, your left hand is still holding his right fist, your right hand whacks the club against his right bicep, then jams the stick up against his neck. The stick is now tucked into three points, right to left, on his neck, under his bicep, over his wrist, and on your left hand. Secure him there, breaking his wrist as you drop weight down on the club to break his windpipe. • If he’s still holding onto the club as you pull away, switch your right hand to palm up as you twist away, to give yourself more support.
20 • INTERCEPTING THE RAM
(tackle)
Continue the scoop kick into a chicken back kick, landing into him as you spin left with a right crescent kick in through his face that whips around to take out his knee with a side kick.
1) natural stance, L step to 11 o’clock, R knee kick to solar plexus as you L inward block to R shoulder and R hammerfist to R (near) kidney
-R foot land to 7:30, L neutral bow with a L downward vertical elbow to spine
-L foot offstep counterclockwise to 8:00 R neutral bow with a R downward thrusting punch, (fist through elbow) to L jaw
-pivot counterclockwise R reverse cat as you R rear scoop kick to jaw
2) without landing, R thrusting back kick to belly, land forward to 6:30 in R front crossover to L rear cat stance
-L spinning back kick (essentially a rear chicken kick)
3) land into him to 11 o’clock with L foot into L neutral bow facing attacker
-R inward crescent kick through L side of his face, which whips around to
-R thrusting side kick to inside R knee
The ending is essentially spinning counterclockwise back into him. The final kick is a curlicue on the end of crescent kick.
21 • KNEEL OF COMPULSION
(step-through right punch from right flank)
As he goes down from the kick, grab his left arm in an armlock and yank up to drive him forward, then step over to drive him to the floor, landing on his trapped arm with a close kneel. Go after his collarbone with a right heelkick/left stomp on his neck, dropping on his neck with left/right knees as you spin left, then shoot along down his back with a scraping right heel kick.
1) natural stance, R step to 2 o’clock to inverted R neutral bow as you L inward, R outward parry to back of punching arm
-L foot step through to 10 o’clock, pivot to face attacker’s back R neutral bow as both hands grab shoulders
-R foot step through back to 10 o’clock L neutral bow as both hands pull down on shoulders
-R step-through knife-edged side kick to L knee, land forward to 4 o’clock R neutral bow, forcing him to collapse and spin into a R inward horizontal elbow with a L bracing check for elbow sandwich to head
2) R hand slides down his back to grab his R wrist (your R palm facing you), L hand checking to his L shoulder
-R hand yank up, L hand push forward, dislocate his L shoulder
3) L foot step-through forward over his L leg, adjusting up the circle, to L neutral bow as your R hand turns to regrab to palm facing attacker, grab outside his wrist
-L shuffle forward, L high, R low dragging up on wrist push, knocking him face down
-R knee drop to back of L arm (or L kidney) as you land to L close kneel
4) R step through heel kick stomp to L side of head, land to R neutral bow
-L rear crossover stomp to 7 o’clock R side of his head, to L rear twist stance, dropping to L knee drop on spine
-pivot L to L close kneel, with R knee drop to neck
-standing up, step through forward with a R scraping thrusting heel kick down his spine
After dropping him on his front, the ending is shaped by the three knee drops- R/L/R.
22 • CLIPPING THE STORM
(step-through right thrusting club)
Drop down after the heelpalm, chopping out his right knee to take him with you, backnuckling down on his groin. Then stand up, kicking to his ribs and turning left with a right stomp to his solar plexus, scrape to his throat, continuing left to left axe kick down on his groin and reverse direction, sweeping a left thrust kick out through his right knee.
1) natural stance, L foot step forward to 11 o’clock L neutral bow, landing with a L downward chop to attacker’s forearm, R handsword cocked to R ear, setting up a R downward chop to L wrist L forward bow
-L outward handsword to throat as you R foot step through to R 45º cat, R foot step out to 11 o’clock R neutral bow behind his R leg as you R heelpalm to chin, L hand check high
2) drop to L knee as you R outward backnuckle to back of R knee, causing him to fall backwards over your bended R knee
-as he’s falling, circle your R backnuckle into another R downward backnuckle on his groin
3) stand up to L snapping front kick to ribs, land back feet together, facing his L side as he lays on his back
4) R stomp to solar plexus, pivot L as you
-R scrape to throat, ending in a sort of R reverse bow, then drag up R as you spin around L (ccw) to face him again with a
5) L axe kick to groin, crossing out with a
-L sweeping thrust through his R knee
After the left kick to ribs, the ending is shaped by the parallel downward kick/horizontal sweep of (4) and (5).
23 • GLANCING WING
(left uppercut punch)
Your right hands whips back up through his face as your right knee strikes up to the chest, down on his left leg with a stomp, then takes out his right leg with a side kick, scoop kicking out back forward through the face to take out his left again with a roundhouse.
1) R neutral bow, shuffle forward R inward downward block to forearm as you L vertical thrusting punch to face
-L hand circles clockwise to hook back of arm, R hammerfist to L floating rib
-L outward handsword to neck, hooking around back of neck
-L foot offstep counterclockwise to 4:30 R neutral bow, L hand pulling head down, setting up a R downward punch (fist to elbow) through jaw
2) bend your R hand up, to catch his jaw with an upward R backnuckle as the arm shoots straight up, at the same time as
-R outward crescent knee kick to ribs, then shoot it straight down inside to
-R scraping stomp to L foot, that rebounds to
-R thrusting side kick to inside R knee, step back through with a
3) R scoop kick through his face, landing back to 6 to rebound with
-R snapping roundhouse to L knee
Following the right upward claw, it’s all right kicks- five in a row.
24 • THE BACK BREAKER
(step-through right punch from right flank)
Switch and heel stomp with your left foot and, continuing in the same direction, right step through to drop your left knee on his sternum. Continue counterclockwise to hop up and spin left with a right kick down on his groin. Then reverse direction with a left roundhouse to inside his right leg.
1) natural stance, R step to 2 o’clock to inverted R neutral bow as you L inward, R outward parry to back of punching arm
-L foot step through to 10 o’clock, pivot to face attacker’s back R neutral bow as both hands grab shoulders
-R foot step through back to 10 o’clock L neutral bow, yank him to R knee kick to lower spine, land back to 10 o’clock L neutral bow as you slam attack down on bended L knee
-R heelpalm to jaw, hook jaw and pull back, L hand bracing against R shoulder, breaking his neck, then R inward handsword to bridge of nose, whip your hands around inward to R & L backnuckle strikes to collarbones
-L foot step back, R reverse close kneel, allowing attacker to fall on his back, face, as you L & R heelpalm claws counterclockwise through face
-R heel stomp to R collarbone
2) switch to a L reverse bow with a
-L heel stomp to L collarbone
3) pivot counterclockwise to L neutral bow, step through R with a
-R shoveling heel kick though his L jaw, landing by his R hip in a
-R front rotating twist stance as you drop on him with a
-L knee drop to his sternum
4) push up off the attacker’s body, spinning counterclockwise and switching at the same time, landing your L foot to where your R foot was as you deliver a
-R roundhouse kick to groin, then with another leaping switch deliver a (clockwise)
-L roundhouse kick to inside his R thigh or R knee