Posts Tagged ‘wrist break’

Wrist Lock or Wrist Break?

How do I perform the technique “Omote Gyaku“?

Omote gyaku is a primary technique in ninjutsu. It is part of the ninjutsu kihon happo, or basic eight principles .

Omote gyaku is a wrist lock. It happens when the opponent’s hand is manipulated in such a way that the bones of the wrist lock. This causes pain and can become a wrist break if sufficient force is applied.

The following description is meant as a step by step way to practice this kihon happo technique. The mechanics of omote gyaku is as follows:

CAUTION: This is a potentially destructive technique! Do not move quickly and be extremely sensitive to your partner’s body at all times. The locking action of omote gyuaku happens very quickly!

1) Your partner’s position. Have your partner hold their hand with fingers pointing up and their palm facing them (you are looking at the back of their hand).

Ura gyaku hand position

2) Place your thumbs on the back of your partner’s hand. The tips of your thumbs should be firmly pressed into the small bones on the back of his/her hand that lead from their wrist to their knuckles.

3) Place your finger tips on the palm of your partner’s hand. You will hold their hand much like you would hold a sandwich.

4) Fold their wrist. You do this by applying pressure to bend their wrist and moving their palm toward their forearm.

5) Twist their wrist. At the same moment you are folding their wrist, twist it “backwards”. You do this by pointing their palm behind them. Imagine you are trying to place their palm on the ground four feet directly behind them and then move to make that happen.

Tips for a more effective omote gyaku

• Use your hips to place their palm on the ground. As you are applying the fold and twist action to their wrist, simply turn your body and step in the direction you want them to go.
• DO NOT BEND AT THE WASTE! Use your knees to lower yourself to place their palm on the ground behind them.

The kihon happo is a collection of drills that deepen your understanding of the underlying principles of ninjutsu. These principles will be present in everything you do when learning ninjutsu.

Be careful, be mindful and keep training!

Keith Copeland is the owner of Quest Martial Arts. He has produced books and videos on the subjects of ninjutsu, the ninja, self awareness and self improvement. For more information on how you can learn ninjutsu online visit www.ninja-training-techniques.com

Hon Gyaku: Ura Gyaku variation

NOTE: THIS IS A VERY DESTRUCTIVE TECHNIQUE. USE EXTREME CAUTION!!!



Hold their wrist with the pinky finger up to the ceiling and the thumb down to the ground.

As the attacker turns to hit or grab, they will cause the lock to increase in effectiveness.

NOTE: Hon gyaku has a small effect if the attacker’s arm is straight. As they move toward you and they bend their elbow, the lock increases exponentially.

The pain comes on fast. SO GO SLOW AND BE CAREFUL. THIS COULD BE A VERY DAMAGING TECHNIQUE!!!

The principles are Continue reading »

Ura Gyaku: “Inward wrist twist”

NOTE: THIS IS A VERY DESTRUCTIVE TECHNIQUE. USE EXTREME CAUTION!!!

Core Ninjutsu Technique lesson 3

Ura Gyaku is an inward wrist twist. It is also the name of this kata.

Wrist locks are an effective tool in your defense and attack. Ura gyaku is an inward wrist twist that will cause the attacker to move forward to relieve the pressure.

If done with great force it will shear the tendons and brake the wrist joint. I teach my students to develop connection and control to win. Rarely will it be necessary to break the wrist.

The principle in this kata is Continue reading »

Omote Gyaku Tsuki: “Outer wrist twist“

Building off omote gyaku dori this kata tells us that even though we have used what they gave us to defeat them, they will keep on coming.

We always need to be ready to defend. It isn’t over until it is over.

You must learn the three mind states:

• Isshin
• Mushin
• Zanshin

Isshin means:Continue reading »

Omote Gyaku Dori: “The Outward Wrist Twist”

NOTE: THIS IS A VERY DESTRUCTIVE TECHNIQUE. USE EXTREME CAUTION!!!

When you are attacked that person is giving you a gift. They are giving you something they are attached to. It may be their hand and arm, their foot and leg or a weapon that is an extension of them.

If you can affect that thing they give you through striking or capturing, then you have at least disrupted the attack and at best gained control of the attacker.

This is a very powerful tool and strategy.

Many arts will teach you to avoid and evade, and then attack the head or body. This is useful.

But if you can damage the incoming weapon, then the fight may end immediately. If you can capture them by capturing their incoming attack then you take control and can win very quickly!

The principle: Continue reading »