Kokyu dosa is an Aikido exercise in balance taking where both partners kneel facing each other.  The exercise is performed with the uke (the receiver of the technique) holding their partner’s wrists or elbows, during which the nage endeavours to take their uke’s balance.  Kokyu dosa in some schools is also referred to as suwari waza kokyu ho.

There are numerous benefits of kokyu dosa practice.  For newcomers to Aikido, it enables them in many cases to experience for the first time what being centred actually feels like.  The practice also allows Aikido principles, such as “centre line”, “centre pole” and relaxed unified movement, to be explored without the added complication of foot work.

Key lessons from the practice include the concept of moving around immovable  points of resistance.  Another is the idea of identifying and moving through “lines of tension” in the uke to take their centre and balance.

Consistent with the traditional approach to Aikido training of its Founder, Master Morihei Ueshiba, kokyu dosa is usually practiced  at our dojo at the end of each class.

In the below video Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei provides instruction on the basic form of kokyu dosa as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai.

Other forms kokyu dosa

For examples and training notes for other forms of kokyu dosa see:

• Traditional suwari waza version
• Elbows pinned version

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane