Tantō Dōri – Tsuki – Throat Palm Atemi Entry

As Uke launches a Tsuki to the midsection, Tori steps forward on the centerline and makes simultaneous contact with both hands: his rear hand meets the attacking arm on the inside, while his lead hand strikes Uke’s throat with an open palm (it could also target the chin, but the throat is preferred). The atemi is crucial, as it both distracts Uke, preventing him from rearming and attacking again, and unbalances him backward; parrying Uke’s incoming attack without the atemi with the other hand is insufficient, as Uke is able to quickly rearm and attack again. Using this disruption, Tori takes hold of Uke’s attacking hand with both hands and lowers his body into a horse stance, pulling Uke’s hand to unbalance him forward. This establishes an advantageous position from which Tori can continue into various techniques.