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Parrying – Shomen strikes

atemiFor those interested in Aikido as a method of self-defence, an important aspect of Aikido training is the practice of methods for parrying and deflecting attacks.

In the below video produced by the TenShin Aikido Federation, instruction is given on how to effectively deflect a shomenuchi (downward temple strike) using what is sometimes referred to in Aikido as a suriage movement. This method of deflection is particularly effective in addressing a shomen strike and when done correctly readily sets up a variety of Aikido applications.       

 

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Suriage movement – Kaiten nage application 

In the below video taken at a class at our dojo, suriage is used to set up a kaiten nage (or wheel throw).

 

  • Acknowledgement of Tenshin Aikido

Aikido Warrior Dojo would like to acknowledge and extend its appreciation to TenShin Aikido Federation for making the featured video.  In 2003, Renshi Santos Shihan founded the TenShin Aikido Federation (TAF) in honor of O’Sensei and those who introduced TenShin Aikido into his life, including Steven Seagal Shihan.  For some excellent videos on Tenshin Aikido check out their “Rogue Warrior” channel on You tube.

Chest grab deflections – A seio otoshi back up plan

Its great when a chest grab (munadori) deflection works out.  However, sooner or later the stars won’t line up and you will be grabbed. One option for a plan B is munadori seio otoshi.  

 

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Dojo Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

 

Training notes: Munetsuki kokyu nage

osensei_03 (2)Traditionally kokyo ho (breath power) techniques were considered to contain the secret of true power in Aikido and were never taught publicly.  The Founder of Aikido, Master Morihei Ueshiba, included kokyu ho training in all his classes – a tradition that we also follow in our dojo.

In the below video, Aikido Warrior Dojo seniors are shown practising at ryutai level one of the many variations of munetsuki kokyu nage that are practised in our school.  Also included is recent footage of the Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, Master Koretoshi Maruyama teaching the reitai level of the technique at a class in Japan.

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Munetesuki kokyu nage – A kokyu ho perspective 

In the below video made by the London Aikido Club, munetsuki kokyu nage is examined from a traditional kokyu ho perspective.

The London Aikido Club studies the Aikido of Morihiro Saito Sensei and generously shares many of its teachings on the web.  Those interested in the study of traditional Aikido as taught by the Founder in the post war period of his life may wish to check out the London Aikido Club’s You tube channel.

 

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

 

Training notes: Shomenuchi kaiten nage

In modern Aikido kaiten techniques are typically referred to as “wheel throws” because the uke is projected in a wheel like shape.  Traditionally, however, they were referred to as “open and turn” techniques.  In the text “Budo“, Master Morihei Ueshiba  describes kaiten as a turn and transform movement.

In the below video, Morhiro Saito Sensei demonstrates shomenuchi kaiten nage. 

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Technical instruction

In the below video produced by the London Aikido Club, Andy Hathaway Sensei provides instruction on technical aspect of the technique.

The London Aikido Club shares many of its teachings on the web.  Those interested in the study of traditional Aikido as taught by the Founder in the post war period of his life may wish to check out the London Aikido Club’s You tube channel.

 

  • Aikido Warrior Demonstration  

See below an informal practice session by Aikido Warrior dojo seniors experimenting with alternate applications of  shomenuchi kaiten nage including from hamni handachi (nage is kneeling) .  The recording was taken after a Saturday morning class.

 

 

  • Shomenuchi kaiten nage – Parrying

For detailed instruction on parrying and balance taking methods for shomenuchi strikes  see – Shomenuchi deflections methods.

  • Oher kaiten nage techniques

For training notes on other applications of kaiten nage see Video Library: Unarmed arts (by technique).  Technique groups (e.g. ikkyo, irimi nage etc.) are ordered alphabetically.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

 

Training notes: Yokomenuchi kokyu nage (makikomi)

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on 2 traditional versions of yokomenuchi makikomi as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life.

Makikomi (“wrap around”) techniques are most commonly seen used in response to a traditional strike to the side of the head (yokomenuchi).  However, they can also be applied to a range of other attack forms.  Depending on the school,  makikomi techniques are sometimes referred to as another form of kokyu nage (“breath throw”).

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Position of hands at first contact

makikomi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Aikido Yuishinkai  (Version 1)

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, provides  instruction on the Aikido technique yokomenuchi makikomi as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai.

 

  • Aikido Yuishinkai (Version 2)

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo