Aikido self-defence

Video compilation – Aikido Warrior Dojo class – 4 June 2016

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

Training notes – Shomenuchi koshi nage (shiho nage form)

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOne of our favourite throws to practice at the dojo is koshi nage (hip throw).  Koshi nage can be applied in response to a wide variety of attacks, incuding where the uke attacks the nage by executing a downward strike to to the temple (shomenuchi).

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on one of the traditional forms of shomenuchi koshi nage as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life. In this particular form the entry is the same as if executing a shomenuchi shiho nage (4 directions throw). For further information on the life of Saito Sensei and his unique access to the Founder of Aikido see the Additional Notes section below.

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Learning how safely receive a hip throw

In the below video seniors at our dojo explore the learning progression to safely receive a koshi nage technique.

 

  • Brief Biography – Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002)

morihiro-saito-koshinageMorihiro 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.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Dojo Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

 

 

 

 

Parrying – Shomen strikes

atemiFor those interested in Aikido as a method of self-defence, an important aspect of Aikido training is the practice of methods for parrying and deflecting attacks.

In the below video produced by the TenShin Aikido Federation, instruction is given on how to effectively deflect a shomenuchi (downward temple strike) using what is sometimes referred to in Aikido as a suriage movement. This method of deflection is particularly effective in addressing a shomen strike and when done correctly readily sets up a variety of Aikido applications.       

 

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Suriage movement – Kaiten nage application 

In the below video taken at a class at our dojo, suriage is used to set up a kaiten nage (or wheel throw).

 

  • Acknowledgement of Tenshin Aikido

Aikido Warrior Dojo would like to acknowledge and extend its appreciation to TenShin Aikido Federation for making the featured video.  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.

Striking options in Aikido practice

morihei-ueshiba-gozo-shioda-1940-croppedStriking arts  (atemi) are an integral part of aikido practice.  It is often stated that as much as 70% of Aikido is about atemi.  Some sources suggest that this percentage should be more like 90%.

While atemi waza can be an end in itself,  it is also used in Aikido to do any or all of the following:

  • setting up a technique by taking the nage’s balance; or
  • diverting the uke’s attention;  or
  • completing a technique.

atemi o-sensei-atemiIn the below videos, Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) demonstrates some of the striking options practised by Master Morihei Ueshiba (the Founder of Aikido) in the post war period of his training. Consistent with our commitment to study the Aikido of the Founder, the demonstrated striking options form an important part of the training that we undertake at the dojo.

For ease of reference, the videos are arranged based on classification of technique.

ATEMI OPTIONS

  • Atemi waza – Irimi nage

 

  • Atemi waza – Kokyu nage

 

  • Atemi waza – Kotegeashi

 

  • Atemi waza – Nikyo

 

  • Atemi waza – Shiho nage

 

Have a great weekend

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

 

Training notes: Morotedori irimi nage

3Irimi nage (or entering throw) is a technique unique to Aikido. Irimi means to enter physically and spiritually  into an attack while simultaneously sidestepping it.

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on an application of irimi nage used to address a traditional attack in the form of a 2 hand grab on the nage’s arm (morotedori sometimes also called ryotemochi). This particular application was practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life.

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Option for atemi (strike) 

Ryoto atemi

 

 

 

 

 

  • Morotedori irimi nage – Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei 

In the below video Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei (8th Dan Aikikai) demonstrates and provides instruction for morotedori irimi nage.  

 

  • Other Morotedori  techniques

See – Video library: Unarmed arts by attack type.

 

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane