Yoroi Kumi Uchi
Art of Grappling in Armor

By Mark Steven Grove
Featuring Kurai Kotori Ninjutsu Practitioners
Brian Parchman, Justin McQueede, Sara Salazar and Lauren Melone

Kurai Kotori Ryu Jiki Deshi, Sara Salazar prepares for a surprise attack.

Normal Kumi Uchi (combative grappling) was created around 1196 AD. The art involved joint locks, open handed strikes, minor kicks and simple throws. However, the Samurai eventually modified the unarmed techniques to accommodate those fighting in armor, which became known as Yoroi Kumi Uchi (grappling in armor). From this point on, Samurai were trained in empty handed techniques that focused on grabbing specific pieces of the armor for leverage. This form required the combatants to use their hips and limbs in a particular powerful fashion. This is made possible through Yotsu gumi, a four handed symmetrical method of grappling by which the combatants lock on to each other’s upper torso and arms. If done properly, it is difficult for either warrior to gain the leverage advantage. Mastering the Yotsu gumi was essential to effective grappling in armor. This method of locking up your opponent developed a strong sense of balance and strength, learning to blend with energy at the same time as preserving ones position in an effort to hurl the adversary to the ground when the opportunity presented itself.

FACING AN ARMORED OPPONENT Facing a fully armored opponent can be a very daunting task, but the unorthodox Ninja is taught to see past the strengths of the armor. Although it provides effective protection versus many weapons, an armored warriors mobility and speed are somewhat limited. Thus, a Ninja with good dexterity armed with a variety of specialized weapons and a knowledge of Yotsu Gumi can easily defend themselves.

Ninja engages a Samurai

IN-FIGHTING WEAPONS IN-FIGHTING WEAPONS The Ninja should be well versed in the use of a variety of specialized weapons that are highly effective against an armored opponent. These include: Jutte (single ear baton), Kunai (utility knife), Kusari Fundo (weighted chain), Tekagi (hand claws) and Yoroi Doshi (armor-piercing dagger) (Fig. 01).

Fig. 01 -In-fighting weaponry