Startle Reflex

The startle reflex is our natural response to imminent danger. It can be as simple as drawing the hand back when it touches a hot object. The form we are concerned with is the response to something lunging at us or attacking us. The response is to raise our hands to protect our head and chest and to bend our knees lowering our hips. The head turns slightly to the side and the eyes blink. It might also include a step to move out of harms path. The startle is the basis of everything in Kuta. It is important to build our system on natural responses to danger.

Example 1, Basic Startle Exercise

Movie of Basic Startle Exercise

Fig. 1 Start of Startle		Fig. 2 Hands Closing		Fig. 3 Top of Startle		Fig. 4 End Slap

1. Fig. 1 is the starting position for the startle exercise when in class. Nage's hands are on Nage's thighs.
2. Fig. 2 shows the pinching of the fingers together at the beginning of the movement. This gets nerve impulses going to the fingers as soon as possible making the movement much faster. Having hands on something to pinch helps learn the movement. Later it is natural to pinch air. There is a strong exhalation or Kiai with the startle. This is like a person screaming when startled. Neither Kuta nor Aiki actually yell but it might be a great idea.
3. In Fig. 3 the hands are brought up to protect the face and body. The fingers are lightly closed. Nage does not make a fist. The hips drop which increases stability, mobility and power. It is also natural to shrug the shoulders up to protect the neck and blink when startled.
4. Fig. 4 shows the end of the movement where the hands have been vigorously come down slapping the thighs. This exercise is the basis of all martial movement. It develops speed and power and is important for strikes and throws.

Example 2, Startle Reflex Using Table

Movie of Startle Reflex Using Table.

Fig. 5 Start of Startle		Fig. 6 Hands Closing		Fig. 7 Top of Startle		Fig. 8 End Slap

1. Fig. 5 shows the beginning of the exercise. The hands are lying palm down on a phone book on a sturdy table.
2. Fig. 6 shows the hands closing from Nage's fingertips grabbing at the phone book as the hands start to come up. The toes can also grab at the floor to get nerve impulses and Ki flowing through the entire body.
3. Fig. 7 shows the hands at the top of the startle. At this point Nage's palms rapidly strike down on the phone book.
4. Fig. 8 shows the point where the hands hit the phone book.

Example 3, Startle Strike Exercise

Movie of Startle Strike

Fig. 9 Start of Startle Strike		Fig. 10 Midway in Startle Strike		Fig. 11 End of Startle Strike

1. Fig. 9 shows the beginning of the exercise.
2. Fig. 10 shows midway through the Startle. Nage's hands are already closing and Nage has oriented toward the target on the side.
3. Fig. 11 shows the Kuta Hand in the target. Notice that Nage's left hand is on Nage's chest.
4. In this sequence Nage has taken the basic defensive startle and used it to attack the target. This is typical of Kuta.