Back Off Balance

Back Off Balance has a turn like Tenkan Off Balance. The difference is that Nage goes further behind Uke. This makes the techniques a little different.

Ushiro Ryokatatori

Movie of Ushiro Ryokatatori

Fig. 1 Start		Fig. 2 Entry Step		Fig. 3 Strike

1. Fig. 1 shows the start with Uke and Nage spaced so that their extended arms do not quite touch. In this case Uke will strike with Tsuki.
2. Fig. 2 shows the end of Nage's entry step. A strong Tornado Twist of the hips is required to get Nage off the line of attack. Nage's right hand is at Nage's chest where it can defend or attack and Nage's lead hand is coming in to strike Uke's head.
3. In Fig. 3 Nage's lead hand is striking the back of Uke's head. Nage's feet shift with the strike. Uke's never want Nage to go behind them. It is important for Nage to protect from rear elbow jabs or other attacks when going behing Uke.

   Fig. 4 Step Across		Fig. 5 Spin Step

4. In Fig. 4 Nage has taken a step all the way to the opposite side of Uke. This is necessary so that Uke will not fall on Nage. Nage's hands are holding Uke's shoulders or collar with Nage's arms slightly bent.
5. In Fig. 5 Nage has stepped back with a strong Tornado twist. Nage squats to take Uke down with body movement and not Nage's hands jerking Uke down as frequently seen. Using the body and not the arms to do the throw makes the throw easier on Uke and gives Nage great control. Because of the control Nage can protect Uke and prevent the very hard fall that this throw normally produces. In an applied situation where it is necessary to injure Uke the arms can contribute to the throw.

   Fig. 6 Finish

6. Fig. 6 shows the finish with Nage squatting. It is dangerous to face Uke as Nage is doing. In class it is also necessary to take care not to harm Uke.

All of the Back attacks have this basic footwork. The hands grab in different ways and depending on Uke's response the technique might end in different ways.