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IRON HORSE FORM         

1^st 9 MOVEMENTS          

Iron Horse Form:

Iron horse form is the first of thirteen forms or “movement meditations” taught to Zen Do Kai students. This form helps us learn the principle of defending ourselves against multiple attackers and the understanding of three directions of attack and defence. The techniques practiced in sequence become Mnemonic movements. Allowing us to absorb them deep into our memory for instant retrieval in threatening situations.

Note- The movements are practiced in a sequence to help with memory retention it is not envisaged that an attack would take place in such an order. The techniques, broken down, are very effective self defence tools.

Iron horse form

1 Cover. Start with heels together knees slightly bent. Place your hands at belt height with palms up. Your right hand will be on top of your left.

You then raise your hands until your finger tips are just below your eyes (palms facing you). Now push your hands back down and straighten your knees. Your palms should be facing the ground with your left hand on top.

After a short pause bring your hands to your side in Attention stance.

Then snap your hands back to the front in Preparation stance.

Follow all movements as though looking in a mirror.

Iron horse from first movement –

1 Groin strike – First look to left then fall to the left side by stepping with the left foot and simultaneously strike with your fist. You should be in a horse stance with your fist positioned over your leg. Your elbow will be held high and your right hand will be withdrawn to your side.

2. Round Elbow – When moving from the groin strike to the round elbow step up with the right foot. Continue to move the right foot into a bear stance. Elbow with the right arm. The point of the elbow should be in the centre of your body and level with your chin. Both hands should be closed in a fist.

3. Over Elbow- the right leg is now withdrawn till both feet are together. The right elbow is will strike in a downward motion stopping in line with your chin. Your hand will be open during this movement.

4. Stomach Punch – continue to step back with the right leg into a normal punching stance. Strike with a right hand punch to the solar plexus area.

Above – Iron Horse Form Movements 1 to 4

5. Arm Bar – open the right hand and place it at chest height bring the right foot up to the left (keep knees bent). Step out with the right foot and withdraw your right hand to (palm facing up). The left hand is bought across the body and sits a cm from the right hand fingers.

6. Grab Elbow – step up with the right leg and reach underneath your left arm with your right hand. Imagine grabbing just outside your shoulder line. Now simultaneously place your right leg in to shoulder stance, withdraw your right hand and thrust your left elbow out to your side. 

Above - Iron Horse Form Movements 5 & 6

7. Deflection, Grab & Knee – facing the front deflect with the left hand across your body (face height). Now reach with your right hand (your palm will be facing outwards ie. to your right). The right knee is now lifted to the side of the body for a round knee. Pull your arms in towards your body and drive your knee around to the front. (your left hand will be on the bottom facing down, right hand on top  facing up.)

Above – Iron Horse Form movements 7 & 8

9. Palm Heel Strike – Thrust the left hand up on an angle of approximately 45^o. Palm heel strike with wrist stopping in line with the top of your head.

10. Punch to the Stomach – withdraw your right leg back into a fighting stance and punch with the right hand to the solar plexus.

Above - Iron Horse Form movements 9 & 10

At this point you will either finish you form here or continue on to the second side (first 10 movements repeated on opposite side)

To finish here you must cover as shown at the start.

Bring your right leg up to your left and follow the sequence below

Both sides must be completed to achieve badge.

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Last modified: 07/22/08