Kote (小手)¶

Introduction¶

Kote (小手) refers to the forearm as a striking surface.

In Oyama’s description, Kote is used mainly in blocks. Different parts of the lower section of the forearm are used depending on the variation.

Definition¶

Kote (小手)
A striking surface where contact occurs with the lower part of the forearm.

Terminology¶

Japanese: 小手
Romaji: kote
English: forearm

Structure / Form¶

Basic position¶

the hand is held in seiken (正拳)
the lower part of the forearm is exposed as the striking surface

Position¶

the variation name is determined by which side of the forearm is used
the forearm is kept stable and directed toward the contact

Wrist¶

the wrist is kept in line with the forearm
the arm is kept compact and controlled

Variations¶

Hira-kote (平小手)¶

striking surface: the upper side of the lower section of the forearm
used in blocks against attacks to the ribs, face, and ankle

Ura-kote (裏小手)¶

striking surface: the underside of the lower section of the forearm
used in blocks and in strikes to the chin

Omote-kote (表小手)¶

striking surface: the inner side of the lower section of the forearm
used in blocks

Striking surface¶

Primary contact¶

the lower part of the forearm
the selected side according to the variation

Secondary contact (should be avoided)¶

elbow
wrist
hand

Basic principles¶

Structure¶

The forearm is kept stable so that the correct part of the lower forearm meets the contact.

Body connection¶

Power is transferred through the body to the striking surface.

English:
ground → leg → hip → torso → shoulder → arm → striking surface

Japanese / romaji:
jimen (地面) → ashi (足) → koshi (腰) → dōtai (胴体) → kata (肩) → ude (腕) → datotsu-bu (打突部)

Kime (決め)¶

Power is concentrated at the moment of contact.

Execution¶

Movement¶

the technique starts without unnecessary tension
the movement is driven by the coordination of the body
the contact is adapted according to the selected variation

Impact¶

contact occurs with the selected part of the lower section of the forearm
the arm is kept stable throughout the contact

Retraction¶

the arm returns directly after contact

Use¶

Kote is used mainly in:

blocks

In addition, ura-kote is also used in:

strikes to the chin

Training¶

Kote is trained through:

kihon
partner exercises
controlled contact training

Focus:

correct striking surface
correct variation
stable structure
correct angle in the contact

Common errors¶

Incorrect angle¶

the correct part of the forearm is not used
the block or the strike becomes weaker

Unstable structure¶

the forearm collapses in contact
power is transferred less effectively

Incorrect striking surface¶

contact occurs with the wrist or elbow
the technique loses clarity

Summary¶

Kote (小手) is a striking surface where the lower part of the forearm is used.

It is defined by:

seiken as the hand position
the lower part of the forearm as the striking surface
variation between hira-kote, ura-kote, and omote-kote
mainly use in blocks