Aikido training

Training notes: Shomenuchi kaiten nage

In modern Aikido kaiten techniques are typically referred to as “wheel throws” because the uke is projected in a wheel like shape. Traditionally, however, they were referred to as “open and turn” techniques. In the text “Budo“, Master Morihei Ueshiba describes kaiten as a turn and transform movement.

In the below video, Morhiro Saito Sensei demonstrates shomenuchi kaiten nage.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Technical instruction

In the below video produced by the London Aikido Club, Andy Hathaway Sensei provides instruction on technical aspect of the technique.

The London Aikido Club shares many of its teachings on the web. Those interested in the study of traditional Aikido as taught by the Founder in the post war period of his life may wish to check out the London Aikido Club’s You tube channel.

Aikido Warrior Demonstration

See below an informal practice session by Aikido Warrior dojo seniors experimenting with alternate applications of shomenuchi kaiten nage including from hamni handachi (nage is kneeling) . The recording was taken after a Saturday morning class.

Shomenuchi kaiten nage – Parrying

For detailed instruction on parrying and balance taking methods for shomenuchi strikes see – Shomenuchi deflections methods.

Oher kaiten nage techniques

For training notes on other applications of kaiten nage see Video Library: Unarmed arts (by technique). Technique groups (e.g. ikkyo, irimi nage etc.) are ordered alphabetically.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage

Hanmi handachi waza (sometimes called Zagi handachi waza) is a common form of Aikido practice whereby the nage is in a kneeling position and the uke attacks while standing. In this type of training the uke has the advantage of both mobility and height. The nage, however, has the advantage of a lower centre of gravity and a triangular base.

Training in Hanmi handachi waza is particularly beneficial as it develops skills in taking a uke‘s balance with only minimal lower body movement. The training also assists in understanding the importance of centre and use of the centre line in Aikido practice.

In the below video, seniors from our dojo demonstrate how we typically practice the Aikido technique Hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage. This technique is from the broader Aikido syllabus and is demonstrated both a static attack and where the attack is under motion. The static version that we practice is inspired by O’sensei‘s manual “Budo Renshu“.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Alternate single handed version

In the below video, Master Morihei Useshiba (O’sensei) demonstrates Hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage from a single grab. Particularly notable in this version is the use of atemi (striking) by the nage.

Other forms of hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Munetsuki kotegaeshi – Aikido Yuishinkai

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, demonstrates and provides instruction for the Aikido technique munetsuki kotegaeshi as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Katate kosadori kokyu nage (reitai) – Aikido Yuishinkai

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, demonstrates and provides instruction for the Aikido technique katate kosadori kokyu nage (reitai level) as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai.

Katate kosadori kokyu nage is categorised as a “breath throw” (kokyu nage) in Aikido practice and is trained from a traditional attack in the form of a cross-hand grab (katate kosadori).

Training at reitai level is sometimes described as “no touch” Aikido. The difficulty with this descriptor is that it suggests something pseudo mystical is happening which could not be further than the truth. The uke falls without being touched for no other reason than to avoid being “palmed in the face” (for want of a better description) by a centred nage.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Katate kosadori kokyu nage – Other levels of practice

For training notes on katate kosadori kokyu nage as practised at kotai, juntai and ryutai levels in Aikido Yuishinkai see: Training notes: Katate kosadori kokyu nage.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Ninindori kokyu nage – Aikido Yuishinkai

Multiple person grabs are a common training tool in Aikido and are have a long tradition in our Budo. The Founder of Aikido (Master Morihei Ueshiba) regularly demonstrated and practised this form of training. There are numerous videos of him doing so, the earliest going back to the 1930’s.

Two person grabs in Aikido practice are typically referred to as ninindori. Ninindori represents the basic form of multiple grab practice. As a student progresses additional attackers can be added to make the exercise more challenging.

In the below video, Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, demonstrates how to use kokyu nage (a “breath throw”) to escape when ukes in ninindori grab each arm of the nage.

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo