Returning from the void Komuso fist technique 

 

The Komuso Ryu, like many ryu has a number of specialized “fists” that are unique to the arsenal of the school and in olden nights the injury made by said fist would have been a sort of calling card for the ryu. The fist is formed by touching thumb and index finger as one would with both hands to form the Zen mudra. This fist conceals a two pronged attack, one with the three extended fingers and a second with the thumb and index finger. The first or obvious attack is usually used on the forehead, eyes, and larynx. The second or covert attack is usually to the area between major muscle groups or to the soft tissue of the body. In a block and strike circumstance which ever of the two phrases of the fist that was used to block with the other is used to block with and vice versa. Used as a block and break method the Void Fist is easily one of the most potent yet subtle of strikes.

 

The “void” fist is resonate with the sixth element of the Komuso combat system this element is metal. The first five element fists can be researched in the Five Element Fists of the Ninja by Grand Master Ashida Kim. The metal element represents in combat the revealing of a hidden assault in order to surprise and misdirect the target. The void fist is often used as a part of a feint. It can catch the arm or hand and in so doing lead to a hold or a break. The shape of the fist creates a sort of bowl in which the force of an attack can be gathered or deflected. The grasping of the fingers and limbs through the void fist is a hallmark of Komuso unarmed combat. Another marker is a combination of allowing the energy of an attacker to serve as the momentum in the battle while at the same time disrupting the attack once the pattern forms and using the release of stress as a source of energy rather than one’s own resources.

 

This fist can be applied with almost any stance as it was originated from a sitting or kneeling position. The most practical stance for the fist in modern terms is to stand with the hands clasped at one’s waist and the actual fist can be formed without being noticed by a potential foes. By slightly opening the ring in the fist one creates a small tiger small fist concealed in what appears to be a palm formed as though to hold water. By extending the finger of the ring once the hand has grasped a target one can find far more pressure to one’s grip or if one’s fingers are strong enough pierce the skin of the target. This fist is also a good one for the throwing of shuriken.

 

This fist also applies to the holding of weapons such as swords or staves as one can apply the fist if one has the finger length to do so.