This post shows the step-by-step breakdown of the previous bo drill video, Fuso Kumi Bo. It uses a series of freeze-frames from the practice video to show each of the specific moves in the two person drill along with descriptions and tips. It also includes a step-by-step PDF reference sheet that you may download and print. Along with the previous practice video, this should greatly help you learn and practice this two person bo drill as a supplement to your local instruction.
[Note: The photos below are freeze frames from the live action practice video, so they are not as perfect as if they were specifically posed photos for each move.]Fuso Kumi Bo Drill Freeze-Frame Step-by-Step Breakdown
This two person drill goes back and forth with each person attacking at different points. We generally call the person who does the first attack, the attacker, and the person doing the first defense, the defender. So in this practice video I am the defender on the left and MJ is the attacker on the right. After the first attack, the defender goes on offense and drives the attacker backward through the first half of the drill. Then the attacker goes on offense driving the defender back to the original position with a few remaining bursts of offense from the defender along the way.
Opening Sequence
First Strike
Defender: L-step back into R-zenkutsu-dachi. Fuso block (thumbs down) weak side (left).
Defender Goes on Offense Driving Attacker Backward
After the attacker makes the first strike the defender goes on offense and begins to drive the attack backward through the first half of the drill.
Attacker: High block with bo middle.
Attacker: Low block with bo middle.
Be sure to block low enough so that the bo thrust isn’t deflected into the groin area.
Attacker: R-step back into shiko-dachi. L-low block with bo back.
Be sure to block forward enough to protect the knee.
Attacker: Pull left foot back to L neko ashi-dachi to avoid foot stab while raising bo. (See inset.)
Attacker: Continue stepping back L to R zenkutsu-dachi. High block with bo middle. (See inset.)
Attacker: R-step back into shiko-dachi. L-low block with bo back. (See inset.)
Attacker Goes on Offense Driving Defender Backward
Now the attacker goes back on offense and drives the defender back to the starting position.
Defender: L-step back into R-zenkutsu-dachi. Fuso block to the strong side (right).
Defender Strikes Back with 5-Strike Combination
Defender temporarily strikes back with a 5-strike combination flurry. Down (bo front), Up (bo back, bo front on same side), Down (bo front), Side (back/left), Side (front/right).
Attacker: High block with bo middle.
Attacker: High block with bo middle.
Attacker: L side block with bo back.
Attacker: R side block with bo front.
Attacker Goes on Offense Again
Attacker goes on offense again and drives the defender back another step.
Defender: R-step back into L-zenkutsu-dachi. Hand switch. Fuso block strong (left).
Defender Strikes Back with 5-Strike Combination
Defender temporarily strikes back with a 5-strike combination flurry. Down (bo front), Up (bo back, bo front on same side), Down (bo front), Side (back/right), Side (front/left).
Attacker: High block with bo middle.
[NOTE: There is no hand switch here. Attacker’s L hand should be palm up through all of these 5 strike blocks.]
[NOTE: Attacker’s L hand should be palm up.]
Attacker: High block with bo middle.
[NOTE: Attacker’s L hand should be palm up.]
Attacker: R side block with bo back.
[NOTE: Attacker’s L hand should be palm up.]
Attacker: L side block with bo front.
[NOTE: Attacker’s L hand should be palm up.]
Attacker Goes Back on Offense Again
The attacker takes the offense gain driving the defender back.
Defender: L-step back into R-zenkutsu-dachi. Hand switch. Fuso block weak side (left).
Attacker: High block with bo middle.
[NOTE: Strike off to the side, past the attacker so you don’t really hit your uke’s ribs.]
Closing Sequence
Fuso Kumi Bo PDF Reference Sheet
The following PDF reference sheet is a single condensed page to use as reference while learning and practicing the drill. It is useful to help you remember what all the moves are until they are committed to muscle memory or for review to remember them after returning to the drill if it hasn’t been practiced in a while. I had created this reference sheet when I was first learning the drill myself. I hope it helps you as much as it helped me.
Download Fuso Kumi Bo Drill PDF Reference Sheet
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