Aikido in Brisbane

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

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