Foundation: The Right Hook Defense

The double arm block (morote uke) is most commonly applied against the right hook, the most frequent striking attack in combative situations. While this remains the primary application, practitioners should develop versatility against varied attacks and contexts.

Scenario Recognition: The Grabbing Retreat

The technique proves invaluable when an opponent attempts to prevent escape by grabbing during a disengagement. After verbal confrontation, the attacker reaches out to pull the defender back into range for a striking combination.

Hand Selection and Biomechanical Advantage

The opponent naturally favors grabbing with the hand closer to the defender's direction of movement, creating mechanical advantage. This instinctive choice also prevents the opponent from striking prematurely, as both combatants occupy the same line of fire.

The Grabbing Mechanics

The attacker's lead-hand grab serves to anchor and redirect the defender onto an incoming strike, leaving the defender's weapons out of position for defense. This behavior often occurs as instinctive reaction rather than calculated strategy.

Simplification Over Escalation

Rather than engaging in reciprocal striking range, the defender can achieve superior positioning through controlled response. By immediately addressing the grab, the defender neutralizes the attacker's primary objective without entering prolonged combat.

Transitional Control: Wrist Manipulation

Upon securing the grab, the defender drags the opponent's arm downward into cross-wrist position at hip level. This positioning creates mechanical disadvantage for the opponent and sets the foundation for counter-striking.

Execution: Morote Uke Conclusion

The defender rolls the secured arm into the double arm block position with an upward sweeping motion. Depending on kata variation, the practitioner assumes either front stance or back stance while delivering the final block.

Complete Technique Sequence

The full application combines contact initiation, hand insertion to neutralize the grab, downward drag to the hip, rotational roll, and completion in proper stance with the double arm block. This integrated sequence transforms a defensive position into offensive advantage.

morote uke Bunkai Strategies 2021 week 15 koryu karate oyo jutsu

John Burke

Double Arm Block

2 min read·8 key moments·PT2M18S video

Key Takeaways

•Foundation: The Right Hook Defense
•Scenario Recognition: The Grabbing Retreat
•Hand Selection and Biomechanical Advantage
•The Grabbing Mechanics

http://www.bunkai.co.uk for the free Bunkai Strategies Newsletter and our range of DVDs, Books, and Downloads. In this week's clip, we take a look at the so-called assisted block...

Related Techniques

Shotei Chudan Uke Shuto Chudan Uke Shuto Gedan Barai Shuto Jodan Uke Single Arm Block

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about double arm block?

This video covers foundation: the right hook defense, scenario recognition: the grabbing retreat, hand selection and biomechanical advantage. It provides detailed instruction from John Burke.

How long does it take to learn double arm block?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.