Aikido in Tasmania

Training notes – Ushirodori kokyu nage

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai demonstrates and provides instruction on how to perform ushirodori kokyu nage.

In this particular application of kokyu nage (or breath throw), the nage’s arms are strongly pinned just above the elbow in a rear bear hug hold (ushiro dori). The attack is also performed from a static position making it more challenging to escape from, particularly if the uke has a strength or size advantage.

The challenging nature of the attack makes ushirodori kokyu nage an excellent learning vehicle to study how fundamental aikido principles can be used to take the balance of a uke who is not only centered but in a tactically superior position.

Have a great weekend

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
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)

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

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