We return to applications for weird sections of black belt patterns you may not have thought of.
Volume 5 of the Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do contains the self-defense techniques. On pages 311-313 three "come-along holds" are presented. Two of which are the gooseneck wrist lock and the rear wrist lock. But the third technique confused me the first time I saw it. The tori wraps the uke's own arm around his neck.
I recently learned this position is called a "gift wrap" or "twisting arm control" in grappling arts. On its own it doesn't do much, but several chokes can be set up from this position.
But does this odd grappling technique appear in any of the patterns? Let's have a look at steps 32-34 of Ul-Ji.
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| Source: TKDTube |
In step 32 we perform a simultaneous left palm pushing block with right knifehand block.
In step 33 we slide forwards into a left hand punch in fixed stance
Then in step 34 we walk backwards and then jump back into a forearm guarding block.
It's a strange set, but these unusual instructions suggest a clear intent. We use this set after a failed reverse head throw from the start of the pattern.
Push the opponent's left arm into them (palm block) while reaching for the back of their shirt (knifehand block). Grab and pull in the back of their shirt while thrusting their left arm in front of their neck (the "punch").
From here, as we walk backwards, we will get a choke known as a "cobra clutch". You want to reach and grab the opponent's left forearm with your right fist, so you can pull it back. Meanwhile your left forearm gets an underhook so you may push out on their opponent's left neck. This places your hands in the forearm guarding block position.
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| Jujitsu player demonstrating a cobra clutch from the ground. The right fist pulls back the opponent's left wrist while the left fist applies pressure to the opponent's neck. Source: KnightJiuJitsu |
Of course in Ul-Ji we are standing. We walk backwards to pull the opponent's arm back and get the choke, and we also add in a jump to really yank the opponent's head back. The next step in the pattern is a roundhouse kick, which we may use to kick in the back of the opponent's legs if we cannot apply the choke.
This may seem like an odd application for a taekwondo pattern. But if I may make an argument for it:
- The "gift wrap" position appears in the Encylopedia of Taekwon-Do, as shown above. This isn't retrofitting a modern grappling technique to the set.
- Ul-Ji appears to have three strangles in it (including this one). I've discussed previously how Ul-Ji, the third ITF pattern created, focuses on attacks to the head, and thus includes some Judo strangles. Judo/Yudo was a well-known martial art on Korean peninsula during Japanese occupation.
- As an advanced (4th-Dan) pattern, it makes sense for Ul-Ji to include some advanced and unusual techniques
- I have not found any other convincing explanation for the walk backwards and jump in Ul-Ji. Applying a choke from behind seems to fit the bill
