The instruction not only includes the shape or outer form of the technique but also covers the inner structural aspects that make it work in a martial context. Key Aikido Yuishinkai principles discussed and shown include “center pole”, sinking, “heaven-man-earth”, centre-line, controlling the space and the “horizontal-vertical plane”.
This video training note refers to the first in a new series of training videos prepared by Peter Kelly Sensei (7th Dan Aikido Yuishinkai) dealing with the topic of ukemi and uke arts in Aikido Yuishinkai practice.
The Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, Master Koretoshi Maruyama, has asked that the development and advancement of high level ukemi skills be given a priority focus in our Aikido training in Australia this year. To this end Peter Kelly Sensei, Technical Director for Aikido Yuishinkai in Australia, has been travelling the country to give ukemi (and other Aikido) training to Aikido Yuishinkai members.
In support of this training, Peter Sensei has prepared a series of training videos to assist instructors and students in developing the requisite skills. The below video is Part 1 in the series. Topics covered include:
What is ukemi?;
Responsibility of the uke to give a tangible attack so that the nage has something to work with;
The folly and danger of acrobatic/circus rolling in Aikido practice;
The importance of rolling “like a cat”
Exercises to develop good ukemi skills;
Responsibility of the uke to not anticipate attacks, stay connected and remain centred for as long as possible;
Remaining relaxed when taking ukemi, including when breakfalling.
This training note refers to an alternate form munetsuki ikkyo whereby the nage steps inside the movement and cuts at 90 degrees. This approach to munetsuki ikkyo is a particularly martial application and is most effective for dealing with an intelligent attacker who strikes from a centred position throughout and is setting up for a second follow up strike.
The demonstrated technique forms part of the broader Aikido syllabus and utilises what is sometimes referred to as “forgotten direction” footwork. Significantly, this type of footwork can be used as a martially effective entry point to initiate a wide variety of Aikido Yuishinkai techniques from most attack forms.
The below video examines the structural similarities between a forward roll and a breakfall and includes a training exercise whereby students learn to appreciate that a breakfall in substance is nothing more than a roll. The video is from a class given by Peter Kelly Sensei, Chief Instructor, Aikido Yuishinkai Australia, at our dojo on 17 May 2014.
At our dojo we have a tailored program for new students that allows them to learn to breakfall in a fear-free and safe environment.
This training note examines the importance of maintaining connection when receiving ukemi, from both a safety and self-defence perspective. The video extract is from a class given by Peter Kelly Sensei (7th Dan Aikido Yuishinkai) at the Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane, on 17 May 2014.
Ukemi practice and the development of high level ukemi skills are an important part of Aikido Yuishinkai. In this video, Peter Sensei highlights the self-defence folly of adopting a “runaway” ukemi approach where the uke ceases to look at the nage throughout the receiving of the technique and subsequent ukemi.
In this video training note Peter Kelly Sensei, Chief Instructor, Aikido Yuishinkai Australia, provides instruction on how to correctly perform shomenuchi ikkyo from the Aikido Yuishinkai syllabus.
Aikido Warrior Dojo 
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