Shōmen Uchi – Shihō Nage Variation (Inside Two-Atemi Entry)

In this Shihō Nage entry variation, as Uke attacks with Shōmen Uchi on Tori’s rear-leg side, Tori first delivers an Atemi to the face before parrying. Nishio Sensei explains that taking this initiative is essential: if Tori only blocks the Shōmen Uchi, Uke can immediately counter with a tsuki from the rear hand.
To enter and deliver this preemptive strike, Tori adjusts his footwork: if his feet are on the same line, he simply moves the front foot slightly inwards, which allows him to move out of the line of attack and position himself better. If his feet are further apart, he steps the front foot back so it is almost in line with the rear foot, then takes the same inward step.
After the initial Atemi, Tori seizes Uke’s wrist with the same arm he used to strike, then delivers a second vertical descending Atemi (similar to Shōmen Uchi) and, within that same motion, uses the striking hand to take control of Uke’s arm. With Uke’s arm now secured with both hands, Tori continues into the classic Shihō Nage, lifting the arm, turning underneath, and cutting to finish.