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Free form ukemi training

Training in how to safely receive technique (ukemi) is something that is particularly emphasised at our dojo. In every class time is set aside to develop and refine our ukemi skills. Everyone participates, however, the level and intensity of the practice varies consistent with each student’s experience and skills.

One form of ukemi practice that we have a lot of fun doing is what we call “free form ukemi training”. Basically the uke repeatedly receives different variations of the same technique which, depending on the variation, result in unpredictable and different falling outcomes.

Ryotadori seoi otoshi is a favourite technique for this sort of training. Subtle changes in the application of the technique result in the uke having to unpredictably roll or breakfall from the left or right hand side while in an unbalance position. They also result in alterations in the space between the uke and nage, as well as the extent to which the some or all of the nage’s body operates to sever the uke’s connection to the ground.

The use of ryotadori seoi otoshi for this sort of training is demonstrated in the video below.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Video Library: Falling and uke arts

For further videos and posts on ukemi training, including how to forward roll, see Video Library: Falling and uke arts.

Ryotadori seoi otoshi – the basic elements

In the below video, Peter Kelly Sensei, International Instructor for Aikido Yuishinkai, demonstrates the shape and footwork for ryotadori seoi otoshi as practised in our school. As noted in the lead-in commentary for the featured video, in order to produce different ukemi outcomes for training purposes, participants made subtle (and maybe at times not so subtle) amendments to the execution of the technique.

Training methods for learning to breakfall

For examples of training methods that we use to develop our breakfalling skills (one aspect of ukemi) see the below video. More detailed information on ukemi training can be found in the Video Library: Falling and uke arts.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Budo Manual – Chart of Techniques

In the 1930’s Master Morihei Ueshiba (O’sensei), the Founder of Aikido, published two known technical manuals for his Art. Both manuals are a source of constant reference at our dojo and form an important part of our study of O’Sensei’s Aikido through Aikido Kenkyukai.

The second of the two manuals, and certainly the most well-known, is simply titled Budo (1938). The content of this 2nd manual is supported by step by step photographs and instructional commentary for each technique.

For a convenient overview of the techniques referenced in the manual see below a chart that was prepared by Preston Aikido Sakura Dojo in Preston, Lancashire, UK.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Shomenuchi ikkyo

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (9th Dan) demonstrates the Aikido technique shomenuchi ikkyo (omote and ura).

In the demonstrated technique, which is based on The Founder’s instruction in the text “Budo” (1938), the nage initiates the application by applying a vertical strike to the face of the uke.

Pinning techniques are referred to as osae waza in Aikido practice. Ikkyo is the “first technique” in osae waza.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Technical instruction – Omote and ura applications – Morihiro Saito Sensei

Shomenuchi ikkyo (omote) – Takemusu Aikido Vol 1.

In the below pictorial demonstration, Morihiro Saito provides instruction on the basic omote application of the technique. Notably in the basic application the nage strikes first.

Shomenuchi ikkyo (ura) – Takemusu Aikido, Vol. 1

In the below pictorial demonstration, Morihiro Saito provides instruction on the basic ura application of the technique. Notably in the basic application outlined below the nage strikes first.

However, the basic ura version is also able to be applied if the nage initiates the strike first. In the Founder’s 1938 manual it states “When your opponent strikes first with shomen, turn around the attack with irimi tankan, use your right hand to receive the blow and then control your opponent as described..”.

Ikkyo pin

The pin for this technique is often seen done with a form of nikyo pin. This is not in fact the correct pin. In the below picture, O’sensei demonstrates the pin for shomenuchi ikkyo.

In his 1933 text “Budo“, Master Morihei Ueshiba (O’sensei) also states that “when pinning your opponent to the ground it is essential that his arm be at a right angle to his body” (see picture).

Uke’s arm remains horizontal and in front of nage’s centre

The uke’s arm remains horizontal in the second part of the technique. The uke’s hand should not be higher than their shoulder or vice versa. The uke’s arm always remains in front of the nage’s centre.

This is the case regardless of whether the technique is performed standing or where uke and nage are both kneeling (suwari waza).

Footwork for ki no nagare practice

In the following video Chicko Sensei uses the sword to demonstrate the footwork for entering for omote applications in (ki no nagare) free flowing practice. Ura footwork is also explained.

Shomenuchi ikkyo – Other Aiki principles for ki no nagare practice

In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei (6th Dan AKI Aikikai) provides instruction on some of the key Aiki principles that underpin practice of Shomenuchi ikkyo for free flowing practice (ki no nagare).

Our dojo is part of the Fudoshin Australia Group of dojos operating under the guidance and mentorship of Chicko Sensei.

The technical aspects underpinning dynamic practice of shomenuchi ikkyo are further explored in the below instructional video featuring Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei (8th Dan Aikikai). The uke is a young Donovan Waite Sensei (7th Dan ).

Alternate atemi application – Aikido Warrior Fudoshin Dojo

In the below video students from our dojo demonstrate an application of the technique where the elbow is used by the nage to strike and take the initial balance of the uke.

Demonstration by Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido

Shomenuchi ikkyo – Zagi Waza

In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei explains the Aiki principles for shomenuchi ikkyo when it is practised from zagi waza/suwari waza (ie where both nage and uke are kneeling).

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Fudoshin Dojo, Brisbane

“Free Wielding Sword” (Bokken Kata 2) – Aikido Yuishinkai

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, gives a demonstration of one of the three major bokken katas practised in Aikido Yuishinkai – “Free Wielding Sword” (Bokken Kata 2). For further detail on key aspects of the kata see videos in the “Detailed Notes” below.

DETAILED NOTES

Overview of kata

The first four cuts

Kyu and ju cuts

Ju san and ju hachi cuts

Ju roku cut

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage

Hanmi handachi waza (sometimes called Zagi handachi waza) is a common form of Aikido practice whereby the nage is in a kneeling position and the uke attacks while standing. In this type of training the uke has the advantage of both mobility and height. The nage, however, has the advantage of a lower centre of gravity and a triangular base.

Training in Hanmi handachi waza is particularly beneficial as it develops skills in taking a uke‘s balance with only minimal lower body movement. The training also assists in understanding the importance of centre and use of the centre line in Aikido practice.

In the below video, seniors from our dojo demonstrate how we typically practice the Aikido technique Hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage. This technique is from the broader Aikido syllabus and is demonstrated both a static attack and where the attack is under motion. The static version that we practice is inspired by O’sensei‘s manual “Budo Renshu“.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Alternate single handed version

In the below video, Master Morihei Useshiba (O’sensei) demonstrates Hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage from a single grab. Particularly notable in this version is the use of atemi (striking) by the nage.

Other forms of hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo