Aikido Yuishinkai

Learning to breakfall – its a lot easier than it looks

At our dojo learning to breakfall is an accepted part of our training culture. The ability to breakfall is something we learn and develop to make sure we stay safe in our practice and to enable us to practice Aikido at its more advanced levels.

Most classes include a breakfalling skills development component. The focus of the training tends to be on traditional breakfalling, as this form of ukemi can be universally applied to receive any technique. In addition, some seniors also venture down the supplemental path of what is sometimes referred to as “feather rolling”.

A key aspect of our training is to not only focus on the uke, but also the nage. Given that the decision as to whether the uke is to breakfall generally lies with the nage, it is important that the nage has the skills to not only remain stable and anchored (if for no other reason so as not to fall on their uke), but also support and turn the uke to assist them in landing safely and correctly.

The below video shows a selection of some of the breakfalling exercises that we commonly do at the dojo. While some may appear daunting at first look, they are surprisingly easy to pick up with the appropriate instruction. They are also a lot of fun. You will note from the video that they are being practised by persons of varied ages, sizes and experience levels.

Have a great weekend

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

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Falling and uke arts

Training Notes: Ryotodori tenchi nage

In the below videos Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on the traditional versions of ryotedori tenchi nage as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life. The technique is applied in the context of a 2 hand grab attack (ryotedori)

ADDITIONAL NOTES

A closer look at the basics – Kayla Feder Sensei

In the below video Kayla Feder Sensei (a direct student of Saito Sensei) provides instruction on ryotedori tenchi nage at (kihon or basic level). Feder Sensei also shows the progression of the technique from basic to advanced applications. Feder Sensei kindly shares her insights into Aikido on a variety of social media forums. Those looking for training tips of traditional Aikido applications are recommended to explore her many videos on You tube.

Tenkan principles for ryotedori tenchi nage

In the below video Christian Tissier sensei (8th Dan Aikikai) explains the aiki principles under pinning the tenkan application of ryotedori tenchi nage. Tissier sensei also explores the kokyu ho movement that may be used to effectively achieve kuzushi (destruction of balance) at the completion of the technique.

Direct entry application

In the below video, Peter Kelly Sensei, International Instructor, Aikido Yuishinkai, demonstrates provides instruction on tenchi nage (heaven and earth throw). The video was recorded at our dojo on 12 August 2015 as part of a special class given by Peter Sensei on kokyu ho applications in aikido practice.

Brief Biography – Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002)

Morihiro 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.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Tsuki hiji nage

In the below video, S Crane Sensei demonstrates and provides instruction for the Aikido technique hiji nage (elbow throw). The technique is demonstrated in the context of strike to the nage’s torso (referred to as tsuki or mune tsuki).

The hiji nage techniques are sometimes classified as kokyu nage (breath throws) or juji nage (crossed arm throws) techniques depending on the school.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Tsuki hiji nage – Technical aspects

In the below video Sensei Andy Hathaway provides instruction on important technical aspects of Tsuki hiji nage as practised at the London Aikido Club. For more excellent technical videos by the London Aikido Club, see their channel on You Tube.

Alternate application

Peter Kelly Sensei demonstrates an alternate application of the technique as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai Tasmania. The video was recorded at a class kindly given by Peter Sensei at our dojo on 12 August 2015.

Other hiji waza

All the best

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Fudoshin 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

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