Hooking block (hiki uke)
Hiki Uke is an open hand circular hooking block used against strikes to the chudan (middle area) and Jodan (upper area). With hiki uke you are able to deflect the attackers strike with the added option of being able to grab his wrist, which can then be used for a counter attack.
The circular motion of the this grabbing block (Hiki Uke) is typical of many Okinawan Goju Ryu techniques.
How to perform a Hooking Block (Hiki Uke)
Bring your left arm up to cover your face. Start with your right open hand under the elbow of the left arm and perform a large arc that moves forward and upwards. At the same time, bring the left arm back to the resting position on your left side, open-handed.
Once your right arm has passed the center line and made contact with the opponent’s arm, hook onto it with your hand, slide down to the opponent’s wrist and pull..
This brings your right arm back towards the body, with the right elbow pointing downwards, close to the body.
The video clip shows Sensei Terry Lyon (5th Dan) performing Hooking Block (Hiki Uke).
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Hooking block (hiki uke): points to remember
- When grabbing the arm, slide the hooking hand from the opponent’s arm down to the wrist to get a better hold.
- Keeping your elbows pointing downwards and close to your body. This will protect your ribs from attack.
- When pulling, lower your stance and keep your elbows close to the body to increase your balance and pulling power.