Biomechanical classification of standing upper limb joint-locking techniques.

Abstract

Due to the countless variations in standing upper limb joint-locking techniques in Japanese martial arts, they are difficult to master. Nevertheless, several techniques commonly target the same joints and muscles, and may be performed using the same principle. In this study, the standing upper limb joint-locking techniques in several Japanese martial arts were classified by the movement direction of each joint. The primary techniques were classified into 19 patterns based on combinations of wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder joint techniques. These classifications not only help practitioners learn techniques of the same group on the same principle, but also they may become a learning aid to clarify the mechanisms underlying each joint technique.