Toe Lock – Gozo Shioda Signature Variation

In this excerpt, Gozo Shioda Sensei applies a toe lock by "pinching" Uke’s big toe between his own big toe and second toe, then twisting it outward toward the opposite leg, targeting the ligaments rather than the joint itself. As he is demonstrating, Gozo Shioda Sensei states: "Next is concentration on what's in front of me. For a moment, immediately the whole spirit must be focused on it. Whether it's a finger or a foot, it can be focused on. Press and hold like this, with one of my feet.". We can assume that Shioda Sensei is referring to directing the entire body weight onto a single point through focused intent and correct body mechanics.