I created this method in 1999 shortly before the Striking Exercise to compliment the existing exercises in the Shinseido system. The stepping pattern (embusen) of this exercise follows the same pattern as used for the famous Okinawan forms called 'Pinan'. This is one of the most important exercises of all as it embodies the five primary defensive movements of both Shinseido and classical Okinawan martial arts. These fundamental defence techniques are:
| 1. | Low outwards bridge | (Gedan soto uke) |
| 2. | Low inwards bridge | (Gedan uchi uke) |
| 3. | Inwards bridge | (Uchi uke) |
| 4. | Underarm bridge | (Ude shita uke) |
| 5. | Overarm bridge | (Ude ue uke) |
| 6. | Augmented bridge | (Morote uke) |
| 7. | Roof bridge | (Yane uke) |
A fundamental precept in Shinseido thinking is that all defensive movements should be effected with the open hands. There are exceptions to this understanding but they are regarded as advanced in nature. One reason for this thinking is that in Shinseido we want to be able to utilise peaceful caring responses wherever possible. Most assaultive situations can be dealt with on a peaceful level and the use of fists cannot be justified unless an attacker really does have to be stopped in terms that are more reactive. It is for this reason that the Bridging Exercise (Uke Waza) is performed entirely with the open hands. The earlier principle of retaining the passive hand in a cover position is also carried over into this exercise. The Bridging Exercise is performed in a soft, internal manner. For those who know the Shorin Ryu style it can also be performed in a hard external Shorin Ryu mode with the closed fists where much explosive power is introduced. Mastery of this exercise will provide an ability to initiate defensive bridges spontaneously when attacked.
Outline of Exercise
There are two primary ways that bridging techniques can be practised with a partner:
Uke Waza Bunkai
The bunkai, or applications, of the bridging techniques are practised in a formal manner as follows. The defender instructs the attacker to strike with specific blows: straight punches to the abdomen, chest or head, and downward blows to the head. The attacks are made in a formal manner - the attacker steps back into a kamae position, then steps forward and strikes, leaving the arm extended. The defender practises the various bridging techniques exactly as performed in the exercise (although without the turning to face new directions). The attacker's purpose should not be to try to catch the defender out, but to allow the defender to practice and improve their bridging techniques. Therefore the attacker should not strike with full force or speed, but should attempt to provide the defender with attacks that are just slightly quicker or more powerful than the defender can comfortably cope with.
Bridging random attacks
This is an informal exercise in which the defender can practice bridging against a variety of unrehearsed attacks. The attacker may attack with any single hand/arm technique. Once the attack is made, the attacker should withdraw momentarily before attacking again with another random technique. The attacker should not use any feinting techniques and should deliver a mixture of karate-type 'impulse' attacks (ie. where the fist is drawn back immediately after the strike), such as straight punches & backfists, and 'non-karate' thrusting or swinging attacks (eg. round punches, uppercuts, shoves). The defender should endeavour to remain physically and mentally relaxed, and should bridge each attack in an informal manner, not worrying overly about which specific bridging technique is used, but simply ensuring that they do not get hit. The defender should not counter-attack. As in the above exercise, the attacker's purpose is not to 'score points' on the defender but to provide them with assaults that they cannot quite comfortably deal with. If the attacker finds a weakness in the defender's bridging then this should be exploited to give the defender the opportunity of finding a way to improve their defence. The attacker must attempt to give the defender realistic single assaults, but at the same time must ensure their blows are controlled, in case the defender does not succeed in avoiding them.