Striking techniques (atemi waza) are an integral part of aikido practice. While atemi is typically used in modern Aikido as a means to set up a throwing technique, it may also be used as method of ending a confrontation on its own.
In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, provides instruction on how to use atemi as a sole response to addressing a downward direct strike to the forehead (shomenuchi) where the attacker is armed with a wooden sword (bokken).
The video was recorded in 2005 at Byron Bay, Australia.
Have a great week.
Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane
In the below video Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei (8th Dan Aikikai) demonstrates and provides instruction for the Aikido technique gokyo (No 5 wrist technique).
The instruction shows how to use gokyo to defend against a knife attack where the uke thrusts the knife to the side of the nage’s neck while holding it in the same way as an ice pick (yokomenuchi sakate mocha). The instruction (other than the pin) is equally applicable to addressing a standard yokomenuchi attack where the uke is unarmed.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Alternate standing pin and disarm
Kneeling pin if there is no weapon
Alternate entry if uke attacks with shomenuchi strike to forehead
A kotegeashi is an outward wrist turn and traditionally is broadly categorised in Aikido as a kaiten (open and turn) technique.
In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei demonstrates how kotegaeshi may be applied in circumstances where the uke has pinned the nage’s hands behind their back.
Depending on the Aikido style, the technique is referred to as Ushiro ryotedori kotegaeshi or Ushiro tekubidori kotegaeshi .
ADDITIONAL NOTES
How to release the grip – Pictorial illustration
Additional details
In the below video, Sensei Andy Hathaway of the London Aikido Club explores the Aiki principles underpinning Ushiro ryotedori kotegaeshi . Hathaway Sensei emphasises the importance of getting off-line and the use of balance breaking principles to effectively execute the technique. These principles are particularly important where the uke has a strong grip on the wrists.
Ki aikido approach
In the below video, Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei demonstrates how ushiro ryotedori kotegaeshi is practised in Aikido Yuishinkai. The method of practice is typical of that found in many ki aikido schools inspired by the teachings of Koichi Tohei Sensei.
In our School, taninzugake (or free form practice) is commonly practiced at the end of each class. This type of practice allows the nage to respond to the selected attack type by using any technique they so choose. The attack type in the video is katate dori, which is a single wrist grab.
Master Morihei Ueshiba (O’sensei), the Founder of Aikido, produced 2 instructional manuals for his martial art in the 1930’s.
Evident in both manuals is the time and effort taken to not only write but also make visual representations to support the instruction. For example, in one of the manuals there are 166 techniques, all of which are accompanied by hand drawings to assist the reader.
In the 2nd manual, the instructional aspects are supported by photographs. However, even this would have been painstakingly long process given the relative primitive state of photography at the time.
Unfortunately, and one might even say bizarrely, neither of the manuals appear to be a major reference point for modern aikido practice with the exception of Iwama Aikido. I have heard a number of reasons given for this. However, they also seem to share the common ground that O’Sensei’s pre-war Aikido (or Aikido Budo as it was then labelled) was very different to post-war, hence making the manuals historically interesting but largely irrelevant.
I have long struggled with this argument as it doesn’t align with personal experience. For example, we frequently use the manuals as reference points to inform our practice in our dojo and have found them to be very relevant and insightful in our study of O’Sensei’s Aikido through Aikido Kenkyukai.
In fact I would go as far to say that in substance O’Sensei’s prewar Aikido share many similarities with his post war Aikido. The main differences being that in his later years O’sensei seems to have stopped teaching the more complex pins. Other changes could be described as refinements and at most, alternative variations.
However, don’t take my word for it. Look at the below video and make up your own mind.
In the meantime, I think we at Aikido Warrior Dojo will continue to hold the only written technical teachings of the Founder of Aikido in the highest regard.
Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo
Acknowledgement: The above video was not made by Aikido Warrior Dojo, but by a person who goes by the You tube name of Marius V. While I have never met Marius V, I would like to acknowledge and thank him for his extraordinary work in producing the video.
Striking techniques (atemi waza) are an integral part of aikido practice. While atemi is typically used in modern Aikido as a means to set up a throwing technique, it may also be used as method of ending a confrontation on its own.
Aikido Warrior Dojo 
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