Aikido training

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

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

Training notes – Yokomenuchi shiho nage

Shiho nage (4 directions throw) is one of the most important, if not the most important pillar technique in Aikido training. It contains within it the root of every Aikido technique and there is no doubt its proper execution relies on the nage applying all of the fundamental principles that underlie Aikido practice.

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, gives detailed instruction and training tips on the basic kotai and juntai forms of yokomenuchi shiho nage as practised in our school.

Maruyama Sensei explains the fundamental principles underlying the application of the technique from both omote and ura entry points, including correct footwork, use of centreline, body posture, irimi, and how the movements underpinning the technique are based on the sword.

The video was recorded in 2008 at a seminar in Tasmania, Australia held at the Aikido School of Excellence. In Aikido Yuishinkai, the demonstrated applications form part of the grading examinations for 4th and 5th Kyu.

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Related articles:

Training notes – Katadori kokyu nage (hiji nage)

In the below video, Koretoshi Maruyama sensei, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, provides training tips for Katadori kokyu nage as practised in his school.

A key aspect emphasised in the instruction is the use of the ude mawashi movement commonly seen in solo kata exercises to deflect the strike and take the uke to an off-balanced position. The unbalanced uke is then projected.

Recorded 2003 at Byron Bay, Austalia.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo