The purpose of kote aite (‘wrist smashing’) or is to toughen the inner and outer edges of the lower forearm1)I.e., the bony sections, not the fleshy parts. so that blocking becomes non-painful to oneself but uncomfortable for an attacker.
Drill #1
With a partner
Facing one another and adopting an identical solid stance, e.g., front stance or the like (right or left, at one’s option), both partners repeat the following sequence in unison as desired, first with one arm (typically, right), then with the other (typically, left):
- right low inward forearm block (soto ude uke)
- right high outward forearm block (uchi ude uke)
- right low outward forearm block.
Drill with a stationary aid
When working solo, the same drill can be done with the help of a suitable smooth2)One doesn’t want to risk injury! vertical cylindrical object anywhere from 15cm (6″) to 30cm (12″) in diameter, e.g., post, telephone pole, etc.
Alternative methods
In the event a suitable post-like implement is not to hand, other options do exist:
- rattan3)Bamboo is also an option, but is knotted and more prone to splintering. In a pinch, a piece of broom handle will do. stick (ca. 45cm [18″] in length) tapped using suitable force to the areas in question
- a bundle of dowels or metal rods—an elastic wrapped about them can be moved up or down to change the effect
- rolling pin, either for tapping or rolling
- food tin
Drill #2
With partner
Facing one another and adopting a natural stance, both partners repeat the following sequence in coordinated fashion, with punch being delivered by one partner and subsequently by the other, e.g.:
Partner #1
Right centre-level front punch
Partner #2
Left outward forearm block
Right inward forearm block
Right hand slides to grasp attacker’s right wrist
Left strike to attacker’s forearm.
reverse roles
Once the drill has been performed a suitable number of times, punch from the other side, then repeat the complete routine from the other stance.
The drill can be amplified by beginning in a left stance4)Assuming the attacker leads with a right punch, as above. and having the attacker do a lunge punch rather than a front punch while the defender takes a step back before blocking.
The defender can also respond with a punch after having completed the arm pound.
With stationary aid
As with the previous drill, the solo practitioner can make use of a prop. In this case, the prop should ideally be slender (in imitation of the diameter of a forearm) and rooted in the ground at an angle so as to point towards the chest. It is best if the prop is somewhat flexible to facilitate the grasping with the hand.