Training – Unarmed techniques

Seoi otoshi and seoi nage – What’s the difference?

While by no means the most commonly practised “drop” technique, seoi otoshi has nonetheless been part of Aikido since its early days. A question often asked whenever seio otoshi is practised in the dojo is what is the difference between a seoi otoshi (shoulder drop) and a seoi nage (shoulder throw)?

Given the fact that both techniques involve the loading of the uke onto the back of the nagi (which is what “seoi”means), the confusion between the techniques is understandable. Its is also a technically trite (albeit correct) response to merely state that seoi nage is something more associated with Judo than Aikido.

From a technical perspective, the distinguishing feature of a seio otoshi is that the nage drops to one or both knees and stays there until the completion of the technique. By comparison, in seoi nage the nage completes the technique from a standing position. Further, a technique is still a seoi nage notwithstanding that the nage may have dropped to one or both knees and then returned to a standing position to complete it.

The below video includes demonstrations of both seio otoshi and seio nage by seniors at our dojo. The video is a compilation from various sources, including gradings and taninzugake (free form) practice.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

Training notes – Katadori ikkyo (ura)

We have a number of 5th Kyu (yellow belt) gradings to look forward to in the next few weeks. With this in mind, I thought it might be helpful to put up some video training notes on one of the sometimes more challenging techniques in the 5th Kyu Aikido Yuishinkai syllabus – katadori ikkyo (ura).

The technique is performed in the context of a grabbing attack to the shoulder (katadori). While it is possible to end the technique with a projection, it is generally finished with a pin.

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, provides instruction on the basic levels (kotai and juntai) of katadori ikkyo (ura). These are the levels which are tested in a 5th Kyu grading in our school.

The video was recorded at a seminar in 2008 held at Aikido School of Excellence, Tasmania.

Have a great weekend

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Related posts

Katadori ikkyo (omote)

Playing with koshi nage – A bokken and jo perspective

Although part of the broader Aikido syllabus, one of our favourite techniques to practice at the dojo is koshi nage (hip throw). In fact, there would rarely be a class where this technique does not appear in some form.

Like many Aikido techniques, the origins of koshi nage trace back to the battlefield. With this in mind, we recently resolved to study the technique in the context of paired weapons practice, specifically bokken (wooden sword) vs bokken and jo (staff) vs bokken. Below is a video recording of our first efforts in this regard.

The informally recorded demonstrations are intentionally experimental and involve subtle differences in terms of hand placement on the weapon, form of ukemi, method of moving off-line, atemi, feet position and balance breaking. All in all a very useful and informative learning exercise.

As a qualifier when viewing the video, please note that our dojo is not a sword or jo school and we are not about learning to “fight” with these weapons. For us, the purpose of paired weapons practice is to magnify errors in our Aikido technique and to give us the opportunity to apply Aikido principles in different situations.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

Related Posts

Ukemi – koshi nage

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