© 2013 T. Westermann

Yama arashi - Storming the mountain

The throwing preparation of the basic technique is the same as for Harai goshi, but the hand positions of TORI are a little different. His left hand grasps the right sleeve of UKE, as close to the ends of the sleeves, so much lower as for Harai goshi. The right hand of TORI is on the left collar of UKE at the level of the clavicle, with the thumb is inside. TORI rotates in front of UKE like for Harai goshi, so that he stands with his left leg in the same axis as UKE. During the body turn, TORI grasps with his right hand on top of the right upper arm of UKE, near the shoulder; it is possible to set a pre placed karate chop to the biceps muscle.

The lifting of the legs, primarily the right leg of UKE by the right leg of TORI is accompanied by the bending of TORI's torso. The left arm of TORI performs a semi-circle motion to the down-left, during the right arm of UKE is pulled strongly. TORI's right arm is bent like Seoi nage and is under UKE's right arm in the armpit, but the grip is on the upper arm of UKE. By this TORI can reinforce the train of the left hand, by pressure from his right forearm under UKE's right armpit.

Usage:
This technique offers itself, if the attacker has a strong urge to the front, e.g. following a powerful straight punch, which is parried by using a inner forearm block with both arms.