Shiho nage (4 directions throw) is one of the most important, if not the most important pillar technique in Aikido training. It contains within it the root of every Aikido technique and there is no doubt its proper execution relies on the nage applying all of the fundamental principles that underlie Aikido practice.

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei Sensei demonstrates the omote and ura forms of the Aikido technique  Yokomenuchi shiho nage. This form of shiho nage is practised in response to an attack in the form of a side downward blow to the temple area (yokomenuchi).

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Technical notes – Morito Suganuma Sensei 

In the below video Morito Suganuma Sensei (8th dan Aikikai) demonstrates and provides instruction for Yokomenuchi shiho nage.  The instruction incudes both the omote and ura applications.

 

• Initial setup –  Technical notes

 

• Omote application (1) – Technical notes – London Aikido Club

In the following video Sensei Andy Hathaway of the London Aikido Club gives detailed instruction on the traditional application of Yokomenuchi shiho nage (omote) as practised by the Founder of Aikido in the immediate post-war period.  

 

• Omote application (2) – Technical notes – Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei

 

• Ura application – technical notes – Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei

 

 

• Alternate application (1) – Christian Tissier Sensei

In the below video Christian Tissier Sensei (8th Dan Aikikai) demonstrates an alternate application of shiho nage yokomenuchi where the nage directly enters to respond to the attack.

 

• Alternate application (2) – Aikido Yushinkai

In the below video, Peter Kelly Sensei, Aikido Yuishinkai, demonstrates and provides instruction for an alternate application of yokomenuchi shiho nage.  The video was recorded at a mini seminar at our Dojo in 2015.

 

Have a great weekend.

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo