31. Gae-Baek first nine-shape-block and flying side kick

Gae-Baek is the favorite pattern of many ITF students, and its unusual movements invite close analysis. Here is an application for the set including the first nine-shape-block and the flying side kick. The whole set is:

• 19: Right back stance knifehand guarding block
• 20: Shift left foot slightly right into riding stance nine-shape-block (left arm high)
• 21: Keeping left foot planted, turn counter-clockwise 270-degrees into front stance low knifehand block
• 22: Back leg roundhouse kick, aimed at 45-degrees
• 23: Flying side kick with the same (right) leg.

It's typical to teach the nine-shape-block as an elbow break, but that doesn't fit the context of the form. Instead, there are other arm locks the nine-shape-block could represent. After using the guarding block as an overhook and neck press, we can setup a hammerlock on the same arm.

Nine-shape-block as a hammerlock, two variations. Image source: Practical Kata Bunkai (top), Sidewinder JiuJitsu

 (bottom)

Shown above are two variations: one with the left arm pulling the triceps from underneath, the other with the left arm overhook the opponent's triceps (the "Kimura"). Either variation may be used to create a hammerlock.

Having set up the lock, we use the counter-clockwise turn to get behind the opponent. This lock will force them to bend forwards, so we use the knifehand low block as a strike to the back of their neck. It's possible to use this block to push down the opponent's shoulder instead. But having already created a shoulder lock, it seems more parsimonious to simply strike the opponent.

The two kicks

From behind the opponent, kick in the back of both legs with the roundhouse kick. Here you may see why the kick is aimed at 45-degrees (an odd instruction): that's where the opponent's legs are located! This kick will topple your opponent forwards. Finish with the flying side kick as a drop kick to the back of the head.

This double-kick strategy -- one kick to the legs and the second kick to the head -- may exist in other patterns. Koryo for example. The Kukkiwon poomsae Ilyeo features a flying side kick after a front kick, and may have a similar application.