June 18, 2001. Here are some photos of one of our defenses from a same-hand wrist-grab from the front. This is one of three techniques we teach for this attack at the white belt level. The uke (attacker) is Mike Stephenson (white top). The nage (defender) is Sensei John Foster. Please remember: The following is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. These techniques should only be practised under the supervision of a qualified instructor. You can click the smaller images to view larger ones. Please use the "back" button of your browser to return.

Instructor Mike Stephenson (in white top) grabs Sensei John Foster's wrist. John keeps his hand open (a) to maintain blood cirulation and (b) because a clenched fist would signal that he wants to fight.

The following movements happen simultaneously: (1) John "cups" his own hand by bending it downwards from the wrist. (2) He grabs his opponent's hand by (a) placing his thumb firmly in the webbing between Mike's thumb and fingers and (b) by placing his fingers around the blade of Mike's hand.

(5) John steps backwards on his open side into a forward stance to take Mike off balance. At the same time (6) John rotates Mike's arm from the outside to 180 degrees to twelve o'clock.

(7) John straightens and then lowers his own arms, hyper-extending Mike's wrist (for pain and control). Notice that Mike is hunkered down with knees bent -- this is to minimize the pain during practice.

(8) John's left hand (originally grabbed) is now free, and he raises it to block a potential side-kick. (9) He completes the technique with a snap-kick to Mike's solar plexus.

Photos on this page courtesy of Gordon W.E. Nore © 1999 - 2007