Jōdan Tsuki – Counter-Punch Application (Inside Entry)

As Uke delivers a Jōdan Tsuki, Tori retreats his front leg so that it aligns with the back leg while taking a small step to the inside. This footwork allows him to move out of the line of attack. As he shifts, Tori counters with a Jōdan Tsuki using his rear hand, which can also be aimed at the throat. After this initial counter, he can follow with another Jōdan Tsuki using the other hand.

The footwork demonstrated here is called Irimi by Nishio Sensei. Irimi can be defined as entering, but also as positioning oneself in an advantageous position when approaching Uke—being in a place where you can strike while Uke cannot. This second definition perfectly applies here, as Tori enters while simultaneously retreating and aligning his feet to gain a safe striking position.