Aikido weapons

Training notes: Jo nage shiho nage

The below video was recorded at a recent class at our dojo where we studied a form of Aikido practice referred to as jo nage. In this type of practice the nage (i.e. the person applying the technique) is armed with a wooden staff (a jo).

The jo nage technique being explored is the traditional version of shiho nage (4 directions throw). Both the omote and ura forms are demonstrated.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Jo nage shiho nage – more detailed look

For more detailed instruction the traditional form of jo nage shiho nage see the below a video of Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) providing instruction on the technique.

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.

Have a great weekend.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

“Free Wielding Sword” (Bokken Kata 2) – Aikido Yuishinkai

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, gives a demonstration of one of the three major bokken katas practised in Aikido Yuishinkai – “Free Wielding Sword” (Bokken Kata 2). For further detail on key aspects of the kata see videos in the “Detailed Notes” below.

DETAILED NOTES

Overview of kata

The first four cuts

Kyu and ju cuts

Ju san and ju hachi cuts

Ju roku cut

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Hitotsu no tachi – Aikido Yuishinkai

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, provides instruction for the partnered bokken kata – Hitotsu no tachi as practiced in Aikido Yuishinkai.

Hitotsu no tachi (like all partnered bokken practice in our school) is choreographed with both participants having predetermined movements and roles.

Skills developed through 2 person bokken kata directly transferable to unarmed training include those related to:

blending and parrying;
timing;
using small body movements to generate power and move off-line (this is achieved through correct use of the hips and moving the body as a single entity);
Entering and related footwork; and
Stillness of mind.

The video was recorded in 2012 in Rotterdam as part of an Aikido Yuishinkai International Seminar. It was made available courtesy of Aikido Yuishinkai International Instructor, Martijn van Hemmen Sensei.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

“Four Gods” Bokken Kata – Aikido Yuishinkai

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, provides instruction on one of the three major bokken katas practised in Aikido Yuishinkai – “The Four Gods” kata (Shishin no ken).

The video was recorded in 2012 in Rotterdam. In addition to instruction by Maruyama Sensei, it includes a demonstration of the kata by Aikido Yuishinkai International Instructor, Martijn van Hemmen Sensei.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Martjin Sensei for both making available and giving me permission to publish his video recordings of the 2012 International Aikido Yuishinkai Seminar.

Have a great long weekend.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Bokken exercises: Kiri age

The practice of bokken (wooden sword) arts is an integral part of Aikido training in Aikido Yuishinkai. Amongst other things, solo and paired bokken practice plays an important role in helping develop key skills for unarmed arts. These skills include foot work, distance, timing, centred movement, relaxed power and correct posture.

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder, Aikido Yuishinkai demonstrates the fundamental foot work and cutting movements for the solo bokken exercise kiri age (vertical upper cut).

One of the key benefits of this exercise is that it facilitates internalisation of moving the body as a single entity rather than moving the arms disconnected from the body. Those interested in studying advanced internal principles (e.g. yin yang) in Aikido movement will also find the exercise of interest, particularly if they use a heavier bokken such as a “Musashi oar”.

From a purely mechanical and physical perspective, kiri age also helps develop powerful upper cut atemi (age tsuki) and is a great workout for the thighs and “glutes”.

Other bokken exercises

For other Aikido related bokken exercises see – Bokken arts library.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo