Now let’s look at applying hikite with some of our techniques. Well pulling them into a prone position whilst punching is quite obvious. Having gotten them into a prone position, you can try to talk so sense into them. If that does not work then you can punch some sense into them!!
If we look at the downward block, as we perform hikite, we stretch out the opponent's arm as we pull it back. We can then apply the downward block by bearing down onto their triceps. We then have an arm lock.
The same works with an outside block. I have to define this as what is called “outside block” in my style (because it comes FROM the outside) is actually called “inside block” in some other styles (because it goes TO the inside). I refer to the block where we raise our blocking hand to round about our ear on the same side, then bring it 'round so that it crosses in front of the body.
As with the lower block example, we can extend the opponent's arm while twisting and pulling it. Then we can apply pressure to either the elbow joint or triceps. Be careful with this application as it can either be an arm lock, or (if done a bit more forcibly) it can break the arm.
With a rising block, if you grab your opponent's upper arm, hikite can used to pull the opponent forward and down, whilst our “blocking hand” strikes under the chin or into the neck.
These techniques will work with the other version of hikite (grab, pull, then twist), but you will need to be quick to get the pull in before your opponent has a chance to realize what you are doing. Otherwise, the pulling becomes a matter of who is stronger.
Now you may be wondering if this is part of a system designed to be used for night fighting in a time when it really is too dark to see your opponent, and if it is still valid today. I would have to say emphatically, YES. Most moves in traditional Oriental martial arts are designed to be multi-functional. In most situations today, street lighting (or even lighting from surrounding buildings) will allow you to see your attacker. However, most fights start with either a hay maker or a grab (or both).
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