Tai-Sabaki, roughly translated, means body shifting or body management.  Whereas Ashi-Sabaki deals with foot work and foot placement, Tai-Sabaki is concerned with body movement and body positioning with respect to your opponent. These moves must be executed quickly and with strength.  There should be no pause between the defence and the attack otherwise you risk losing the advantage gained. There are four exercises that make up Tai-Sabaki.

Tai Sabaki Ichi

This exercise involves stepping to the side of the attack and executing three punches similar to Sanbon-Zuki.

The 6 directions of Tai-Sabaki

The 6 directions of Tai-Sabaki

In each case, the attack and counter consists of three punches:

  1. Chudan Nagashi-Uki
  2. Jodan Gyaku-Zuki
  3. Chudan Choku-Zuki (Kiai on the last move)

Note: the timing of these punches is similar to that of Sanbon-Zuki

Tai-Sabaki-Ichi Slow

Tai-Sabaki-Ichi Fast

Tai Sabaki Ni

This exercise involves stepping to the side of the attack and executing a Gedan Yoko-Geri-Kekomi.

The direction of moves is the same as that of Tai Sabaki-Ichi

Tai-Sabaki-Ni Slow

Tai-Sabaki-Ni Fast

Tai Sabaki San

This exercise involves stepping to the side of the attack and executing a Chudan Mae-Geri-Kebanashi followed by Sanbon-Zuki.

The pattern of moves is the same as that of Tai Sabaki-Ichi

Tai-Sabaki-San Slow

Tai-Sabaki-San Fast

Tai Sabaki Yon

This exercise involves stepping to the side of the attack and executing a Yoko-Empi-Uchi.

The pattern of moves is the same as that of Tai Sabaki-Ni

Tai-Sabaki-Yon Slow

Tai-Sabaki-Yon Fast

References

http://bama.ua.edu/~usbudo/taisabk1.htm

Chidokan Karate-Do Training Manual (1982) – Kyoshi Sensei John Clutterbuck

Tai-Sabaki The forgotten exercise of body shifting (Part 2) – Soshi Sensei Ed Hudson