Aikido Grading;

Training notes: Katatedori kotegaeshi

Kotegaeshi is an Aikido technique which involves the application of an outward wrist turn. It can be used to respond to a variety of traditional aikido attacks, including a same side wrist grab (katatedori kotegaeshi) .

Aikido Warrior Dojo is a Fudoshin dojo operating under the guidance and mentorship of Chicko Xerri Sensei, 6th Dan AKI (Aikikai).

In the below video Chicko Sensei uses a dynamic application of katatedori kotegaeshi to illustrate, amongst other things, the balance taking principles that typically underpin Aikido practice.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Katatedori kotegaeshi – Basic form

In the below video, Morihiro Saito Sensei (9th Dan) demonstrates and explains the basic form of katatedori kotegaeshi as practised by O’sensei in the immediate post-war period of his life.

Katatedori kotegaeshi – Pictorial explanation

See below a photo demonstration (including description) by Saito Sensei of the key elements that make up the basic form of katatedori kotegaeshi.

*Source: “Morihori Saito’s Complete Guide to Aikido” (2015)

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.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Doj Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Ryokatadori kokyu nage

In the below video, Aikido Warrior Dojo seniors demonstrate and explain key aspects of the Aikido technique Ryokatadori kokyu nage.

The technique is practised in response to an attack where the uke grabs both shoulders of the nage, most typically under movement. In this particular variation of the technique the uke is projected back in the direction of their original attack.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Ukemi for ryokatadori kokyu nage

In the below video (also taken at our dojo), the nuances associated with receiving ukemi from the featured version of ryokatadori kokyu nage are explored.

Ryokatadori kokyu nage – traditional version

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on the traditional version of ryokatadori kokyu nage as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life.

Ryokatatadori kokyu nage – Tenshin Aikido Federation

In the below video produced by the TenShin Aikido Federation, a detailed examination of ryokatatadori kokyu nage is given with particular focus on the martial aspects of the technique.

In 2003, Renshi Santos Shihan founded the TenShin Aikido Federation (TAF) in honor of O’Sensei and those who introduced TenShin Aikido into his life, including Steven Seagal Shihan. For some excellent videos on Tenshin Aikido check out their “Rogue Warrior” channel on You Tube.

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

Congratulations to Chelsea on her 3rd Kyu grading!

Congratulations to Chelsea from our dojo on her excellent 3rd kyu grading in Aikido Yuishinkai on Saturday.

As anyone who has done a grading knows, it’s the preparation and training preceding it that is typically the toughest part. With that in mind, the below video of the event also features some of the training that Chelsea undertook in preparation.

Big thanks to everyone who participated in the grading and helped Chelsea prepare for it.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Tanto dori – Munetsuki hiji kime

In the below video, Dojo senior Jeremy Gehrke demonstrates the Aikido technique – Munetsuki hiji kime. The technique is applied in the context of a traditional knife attack to the abdomen.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Alternate version

In the below video clip, Mike Jones Sensei from NY Aiki kai demonstrates an alternate version of tanto tori munetsuki hiji kime. In this version the nage remains standing at the completion of the technique (similar to a traditional kokyu nage ending ). The principles being applied, however, are the same and equally applicable to the featured video demonstration (above).

Also included in the video are combined elbow and choke retraining techniques for addressing an attack with a tanto. These techniques are also practised at our dojo.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Video compilation – Aikido Warrior Dojo class – 4 June 2016

A fun video compilation recorded at a class at our dojo on 4 June 2016.