All posts

Training notes: Jodan tsuki kokyu nage

While direct strikes to the face (Jodan tsuki) tend to receive less emphasis in Aikido compared strikes to the torso (munetsuki), dealing with these sorts of attacks remains an important part of our regular practice.

In the below video, Peter Kelly Sensei, Aikido Yuishinkai shows how to apply kokyu nage (breath throw) to address a Jodan tsuki attack. A key aspect of the demonstrated technique is a bokken like cut movement combined with a 180 degree (drop to one knee) turn.

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

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Jodan Tsuki

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

Round up – Peter Kelly Sensei class – 12 August 2015

Following on from the Winter Aikido Yuishinkai Seminar this weekend, our Chief Instructor, Peter Kelly Sensei, visited our dojo on Wednesday as guest instructor.

Given our dojo’s particular interest in studying applied kokyu ho applications, Peter Sensei took us through a wide variety of kokyu nage techniques. Peter Sensei also examined kokyu nage in the context of a direct strike to the face (ganmen-tsuki), which is an attack we have just started exploring at the dojo in recent months.

For those not familiar with kokyu ho applications, they constitute what is often referred to as the 4th pillar of Aikido. Kokyu ho techniques in the early years of our budo were considered secret techniques not to be shared publicly outside the dojo. The reason for this is that kokyu ho is the method of generating power in our Aikido throws and applications. Further, while there is a whole of branch techniques in Aikido called kokyu nage, in reality all techniques at their essence require kokyu ho to translate them from cooperative to applied practice.

In addition to paired practice, Peter Sensei also provided instruction on solo heavy bokken exercises to help develop kokyu ho through vertical-horizontal plane movement. While too difficult to explain in a blog, the exercises will be added to the dojo’s regular bokken (wooden sword) exercises.

A huge thank you to Peter Sensei for taking the class. It’s a major commitment from Peter to visit Brisbane from Tasmania, not the least of which is time spent away from his family. I think I speak for everyone when I say how much we really appreciate everything Peter is doing to lead our school in its new direction.

Also thanks to Griffith Aikido Institute for arranging Peter’s seminar in Brisbane in the first place. Last but not least, thank you to everyone who attended.

Plenty of instructional videos to come in the next few weeks to make sure we don’t forget what we were shown.

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

Training notes – Ushiro ryotedori ikkyo (2) – Ki no nagare

In the below video, Christian Tissier Shihan (8th Dan Aikikai) demonstrates the omote and ura versions of the Aikido technique ushiro ryotedori ikkyo.

The demonstrations are completed in a dynamic free flowing form whereby the uke commences the attack by proceeding to the front of the nage, grabbing the nage’s wrist and then moving to the rear (with a view to also grabbing the nage’s second wrist).

This form of practice is referred to in some schools as ki no nagare. In ki aikido schools it is sometimes referred to as ryutai.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Movement and Sword principles

In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei (6th Dan Aki Aiki kai) explores the sword principles that underpin the higher level practice of ushiro techniques. The exploration is particularly applicable to ikkyo applications.

Our dojo is part of the Aikido Kenkyukai Fodoshin Dojos (Australia). Chicko Sensei is the Shihan for our school.

Balance breaking principles – Kuzushi

In the below video produced by Senshin Center Aikido Dojo, balance breaking principles applicable to ushiro attacks are explored. Kuzushi is unfortunately something that is sometimes overlooked in Aikido. The fact remains, however, that it is near impossible to throw a centred uke unless they are either cooperating or overpowered by a significantly larger nage.

Alternate application (1) – Chicko Xerri Sensei – AKI Fudoshin Aikido

In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei explores an alternate option for addressing a ushiro attack whereby the uke is not permitted to move to the rear of the nage. Chicko sensei emphasises the important aiki principle of creating a space to move before attempting an aikido application.

Alternate application (2) – Chicko Xerri Sensei – AKI Fudoshin Aikido

In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei explores a further option for addressing ushiro attacks. The option readiy sets up the circumstances for an ikkyo application.

Ki Aikido

In the below video, Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei provides instruction on Ushiro tekubidori ikkyo as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai. The method of application is typical of the approach taken by ki aikido schools.

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes – Yokomenuchi shiho nage

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 Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, gives detailed instruction and training tips on the basic kotai and juntai forms of yokomenuchi shiho nage as practised in our school.

Maruyama Sensei explains the fundamental principles underlying the application of the technique from both omote and ura entry points, including correct footwork, use of centreline, body posture, irimi, and how the movements underpinning the technique are based on the sword.

The video was recorded in 2008 at a seminar in Tasmania, Australia held at the Aikido School of Excellence. In Aikido Yuishinkai, the demonstrated applications form part of the grading examinations for 4th and 5th Kyu.

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Related articles:

Training notes – Katadori kokyu nage (hiji nage)

In the below video, Koretoshi Maruyama sensei, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, provides training tips for Katadori kokyu nage as practised in his school.

A key aspect emphasised in the instruction is the use of the ude mawashi movement commonly seen in solo kata exercises to deflect the strike and take the uke to an off-balanced position. The unbalanced uke is then projected.

Recorded 2003 at Byron Bay, Austalia.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo