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Learning to breakfall – its a lot easier than it looks

At our dojo learning to breakfall is an accepted part of our training culture. The ability to breakfall is something we learn and develop to make sure we stay safe in our practice and to enable us to practice Aikido at its more advanced levels.

Most classes include a breakfalling skills development component. The focus of the training tends to be on traditional breakfalling, as this form of ukemi can be universally applied to receive any technique. In addition, some seniors also venture down the supplemental path of what is sometimes referred to as “feather rolling”.

A key aspect of our training is to not only focus on the uke, but also the nage. Given that the decision as to whether the uke is to breakfall generally lies with the nage, it is important that the nage has the skills to not only remain stable and anchored (if for no other reason so as not to fall on their uke), but also support and turn the uke to assist them in landing safely and correctly.

The below video shows a selection of some of the breakfalling exercises that we commonly do at the dojo. While some may appear daunting at first look, they are surprisingly easy to pick up with the appropriate instruction. They are also a lot of fun. You will note from the video that they are being practised by persons of varied ages, sizes and experience levels.

Have a great weekend

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

Related articles

Falling and uke arts

Training notes: Munetsuki kokyu nage (omote)

In the below video, Peter Kelly Sensei, Aikido Yuishinkai Tasmania, demonstrates and provides instruction on an alternate omote form of munetsuki kokyu nage. The technique is also sometimes referred to as udekime nage (arm extension throw).

The below video was recorded at a class given by Peter Sensei at our dojo on 12 August 2015.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training Notes: Ryotodori tenchi nage

In the below videos Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on the traditional versions of ryotedori tenchi nage as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life. The technique is applied in the context of a 2 hand grab attack (ryotedori)

ADDITIONAL NOTES

A closer look at the basics – Kayla Feder Sensei

In the below video Kayla Feder Sensei (a direct student of Saito Sensei) provides instruction on ryotedori tenchi nage at (kihon or basic level). Feder Sensei also shows the progression of the technique from basic to advanced applications. Feder Sensei kindly shares her insights into Aikido on a variety of social media forums. Those looking for training tips of traditional Aikido applications are recommended to explore her many videos on You tube.

Tenkan principles for ryotedori tenchi nage

In the below video Christian Tissier sensei (8th Dan Aikikai) explains the aiki principles under pinning the tenkan application of ryotedori tenchi nage. Tissier sensei also explores the kokyu ho movement that may be used to effectively achieve kuzushi (destruction of balance) at the completion of the technique.

Direct entry application

In the below video, Peter Kelly Sensei, International Instructor, Aikido Yuishinkai, demonstrates provides instruction on tenchi nage (heaven and earth throw). The video was recorded at our dojo on 12 August 2015 as part of a special class given by Peter Sensei on kokyu ho applications in aikido practice.

Brief Biography – Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002)

Morihiro Saito Sensei’s practice of Aikido spanned 56 years and he is one of the most important teachers in Aikido history. Saito Sensei was a live-in student of O’sensei for more than 20 years at his home dojo in Iwama, Japan.

Saito Sensei spent his teaching life dedicated to preserving the technical style of Aikido as practised and shown to him by O’sensei in the post-war period. Without his commitment to preserving the Aikido of the Founder and extensive efforts to record and document his teachings, much of the Aikido of O’sensei would have no doubt been lost. The Aikido world owes him a great debt.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Tsuki hiji nage

In the below video, S Crane Sensei demonstrates and provides instruction for the Aikido technique hiji nage (elbow throw). The technique is demonstrated in the context of strike to the nage’s torso (referred to as tsuki or mune tsuki).

The hiji nage techniques are sometimes classified as kokyu nage (breath throws) or juji nage (crossed arm throws) techniques depending on the school.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Tsuki hiji nage – Technical aspects

In the below video Sensei Andy Hathaway provides instruction on important technical aspects of Tsuki hiji nage as practised at the London Aikido Club. For more excellent technical videos by the London Aikido Club, see their channel on You Tube.

Alternate application

Peter Kelly Sensei demonstrates an alternate application of the technique as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai Tasmania. The video was recorded at a class kindly given by Peter Sensei at our dojo on 12 August 2015.

Other hiji waza

All the best

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Fudoshin Dojo, Brisbane

Training notes: Katatedori aiki otoshi

Aiki otoshi techniques are commonly referred to as “blending drop” techniques. While not as commonly practised as other forms of technique, they have a long history in Aikido.

In the below video Mike Jones Sensei from New York Aikikai demonstrates and provides instruction on the basic and advanced versions of Katate dori aiki otoshi. This form of aiki otoshi is practised from a same side wrist grab.

From a safety perspective, it recommended that the advanced form of aiki otoshi not be attempted except under the close guidance and instruction of an experienced instructor familiar with the technique, including how to receive it.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Ukemi

On the following video Peter Kelly Sensei, Aikido Yuishinkai (Tasmania), provides instruction on the following:

How to safely receive Aiki otoshi as a uke?
How to teach the ukemi for the technique?
Correct form to lift and project the uke.

The video was recorded at Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane on 12 August 2015.

Aiki otoshi from other attack forms

In the below archive video R Crane Sensei (5th Dan) demonstrates the application of aiki otoshi from other attack forms typically seen in Aikido.

All the best

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane