Tenshim Off Balance

Tenshim Off Balance Means that Nage steps off to the back diagonal of the line of the attack. The exact angle depends on the dynamics of the situation. For much of formal practice the step is at about a 45-degree angle but this assumes a dynamic attack. Tenshim as treated here is a variation of Tenkan Off Balance.

Tenshim

Fig. 1 Entry Step		Fig. 2 Throw Step

1. Fig. 1 shows the Entry Step. This is a step that puts Nage close enough to Uke to deliver a Kuta Punch. Depending on Uke's movement this could be a step where the back foot comes up by the front foot or it can be deeper beside Uke's lead foot like the 1st Irimi Step.
2. Fig. 2 shows the Throw Step. This is a step back behind Nage and in front and away from Uke. As Nage steps back Nage Squats as usual.

Tenshim is a step away from Uke rather than close to Uke. Here Tenshim is treated as a throw where Nage might want to step back because of the position of the attackers or other tactical reasons. Tenshim can also be used to simply create space. One might want to step back so that it is obvious to observers who is making the attack and who is acting in self-defense. Tenshim can also be used to step back from a knife slash. In these cases Tenshim is not a throw.

Each of my instructors has done Tenshim differently. For us, the critical factor is to rotate and drop Uke without too much pull. Take Uke straight to the ground without any dancing around. The example should help in understanding this. Tenshim is frequently a step back followed by a throw to Uke's front or back. The style here is much more direct.

Example 1, Tenshim

Movie of Tenshim.

Fig. 3 Start		Fig. 4 1st Strike		Fig. 5 1st Step

1. In Fig. 3 Uke and Nage are spaced so that their extended lead arms do not quite touch and Uke is striking with Yokomen Uchi.
2. In Fig. 4 Nage's back foot is stepping far enough forward for Nage's lead hand to strike Uke in the face. A strong Tornado Twist of the hips is necessary to get Nage across the line of attack. Nage's right hand is coming in to deliver a 2nd strike to Uke's head.
3. Fig. 5 shows Nage near the end of the 1st Tenshim Step. Nage's right palm is striking Uke's head.

   Fig. 6 2nd Step		Fig. 7 Protect Uke

4. In Fig. 6 Nage's left foot has stepped back to the diagonal away from Uke. Nage's left hand has grabbed Uke's upper arm and Nage's right hand has grabbed Uke's neck after striking Uke's head.
5. In Fig. 7 Nage is protecting Uke as Uke hits the mat. Nage's right foot has come forward so that Nage stays close to Uke.

   Fig. 8 Finish

6. In Fig. 8 Nage's torso has rotated to line up with Uke's torso to make a counter attack more difficult.