Training – Unarmed techniques

Training notes: Ryotedori seoi otoshi

While by no means the most commonly practised “drop” technique, seoi otoshi (or “shoulder drop”) has been part of Aikido since its early days.

In the below video, students from our dojo are practising the technique from a traditional where both of the nage’s wrists are grabbed (ryotedori). This form of practice is excellent for ukemi training and developing aerobic fitness for the nage.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Technical notes

In the following video Peter Kelly Sensei of Aikido Yuishinkai (Tasmania) provides technical instruction for the technique.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Ryotedori kokyu nage

The set up for ryotedori seoi otoshi (as demonstrated in the video) is the same as for ryotedori kokyu nage. For notes on ryotedori kokyu nage (including its set up) – see Training notes: Ryotedoru kokyu nage (and koshi nage).

Difference between seio otoshi and seio nage

The difference between a seio otoshi (shoulder drop) and seio nage (shoulder throw) is often a source of confusion. For discussion on the technical differences between the two technique types see – Seio otoshi and seio nage – Whats the difference?

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

Training notes: Ryotedori yonkyo

In the below video, Peter Kelly Sensei, Chief Instructor Aikido Yuishinkai Australia, provides instruction on how to perform ryotedori yonkyo.

A key aspect of Peter Sensei’s instruction is the notion that yonkyo (No 4 wrist technique) is not at its essence intended to be a technique to control a uke by inflicting wrist pain. Rather it is a method of hyper-extending the uke’s shoulder to control their centre.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Hand position – Initial shoulder extension

Yonkyo pin

Ryotedori kokyu nage

The set up for ryotedori yonkyo as (demonstrated in the video) is the same as for ryotedori kokyu nage. For notes on ryotedori kokyu nage (including its set up) – see Training notes: Ryotedoru kokyu nage (and koshi nage).

Yonkyo basics

For notes on the basic principles of yonkyo (including video of Maruyama Sensei teaching the technique) see – Training Notes – Yonkyo (the basics)

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Ushiro tekubidori 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 Master Koretoshi Maruyama demonstrates and provides instruction for ushiro tekubidori kaiten nage as practised in our school. The technique is trained as a response to a traditional attack where both hands of the nage are grabbed from behind with the intent to place a knee in the nage’s back.

Depending on the school of Aikido, the technique is also sometimes referred to as ushiro ryotedori kaiten nage.

Additional notes

Similar beginning as ushiro tekubidori ikkyo

The beginning segments of ushiro tekubidori kaiten nage are the same (up to the downward cut movement) as ushiro tekubidori ikkyo at ryutai level. For notes on this technique, including the entry and set up see: Training notes: Ushiro tekubidori ikkyo (ryutai).

Other kaiten nage applications

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.

Other ushiro tekubidori techniques

For training notes on other Aikido techniques that are practised from a ushiro tekubidori attack, see Video Library: Unarmed arts (by attack type). In the library, techniques are ordered alphabetically based on attack types (e.g. katadori, katatedori, ushiro tekubidori etc.).

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Ushiro ryotedori kokyu nage

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei demonstrates and provides instruction for the pre and post war versions of the aikido technique ushiro ryotedori kokyu nage.

The technique is categorised as a “breath throw” and is practised as a response to a traditional attack where both hands of the nage are grabbed from behind with the intent to either place a knee in the nage’s back or drag the nage backwards.

Depending on the school of Aikido the technique is sometimes referred to as ushiro tekubidori zenpo nage/kokyu nage.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Alternate attack form

Ushiro ryotedori kokyu nage, like all Aikido applications, can be practised from a static form (typically under resistance) or in a dynamic free flowing form (often referred to as ki no nagare).

In the following video, the Founder of Aikido, Master Morihei Ueshiba (O’sensei) demonstrates a dynamic version of ushiro ryotedori kokyu nage whereby the uke directly attacks from behind and out of the nage’s line of sight (see video below). We also train this version at our dojo.

Alternate application

In the below video Sensei Andy Hathaway of the London Aikido Club demonstrates an alternate kokyu nage application.

Ki aikido approach

In the below video the Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei demonstrates and teaches the subject technique as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai. This approach (including the bounce) is typical of many ki aikido schools inspired by the teachings of Koichi Tohei Sensei.

Have a great weekend.

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Kokyu dosa – Aikido Yuishinkai

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:

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane