Aikido Yuishinkai

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: Yokomenuchi kokyu nage (makikomi)

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on 2 traditional versions of yokomenuchi makikomi as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life.

Makikomi (“wrap around”) techniques are most commonly seen used in response to a traditional strike to the side of the head (yokomenuchi).  However, they can also be applied to a range of other attack forms.  Depending on the school,  makikomi techniques are sometimes referred to as another form of kokyu nage (“breath throw”).

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Position of hands at first contact

makikomi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Aikido Yuishinkai  (Version 1)

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, provides  instruction on the Aikido technique yokomenuchi makikomi as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai.

 

  • Aikido Yuishinkai (Version 2)

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Free form ukemi training

o-sensei,throw,Training in how to safely receive technique (ukemi) is something that is particularly emphasised at our dojo.  In every class time is set aside to develop and refine our ukemi skills.  Everyone participates, however, the level and intensity of the practice varies consistent with each student’s experience and skills.

One form of ukemi practice  that we have a lot of fun doing is what we call “free form ukemi training”.  Basically the uke repeatedly receives different variations of the same technique which, depending on the variation, result in unpredictable and different falling outcomes.

Ian Grant - Aikido UkemiRyotadori seoi otoshi is a favourite technique for this sort of training. Subtle changes in the application of the technique result in the uke having to unpredictably roll or breakfall from the left or right hand side while in an unbalance position.  They also result in alterations in the space between the uke and nage, as well as the extent to which the some or all of the nage’s body operates to sever the uke’s connection to the ground.

The use of ryotadori seoi otoshi  for this sort of training is demonstrated in the video below.

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Video Library: Falling and uke arts

For further videos and posts on ukemi training, including how to forward roll, see Video Library: Falling and uke arts.

 

  • Ryotadori seoi otoshi – the basic elements

In the below video, Peter Kelly Sensei, International Instructor for Aikido Yuishinkai, demonstrates the shape and footwork for ryotadori seoi otoshi as practised in our school. As noted in the lead-in commentary for the featured video, in order to produce different ukemi outcomes for training purposes, participants made subtle (and maybe at times not so subtle) amendments to the execution of the technique.

 

  • Training methods for learning to breakfall

For examples of training methods that we use to develop our breakfalling skills (one aspect of ukemi) see the below video.  More detailed information on ukemi training can be found in the Video Library: Falling and uke arts.

 

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Budo Manual – Chart of Techniques

336890In the 1930’s Master Morihei Ueshiba (O’sensei), the Founder of Aikido, published two known technical manuals for his Art.  Both manuals are a source of constant reference at our dojo and form an important part of our study of O’Sensei’s Aikido through Aikido Kenkyukai.

The second of the two manuals, and certainly the most well-known, is simply titled Budo (1938).  The content of this 2nd manual is supported by step by step photographs and instructional commentary for each technique.

For a convenient overview of the techniques referenced in the manual see below a chart that was prepared by Preston Aikido Sakura Dojo in Preston, Lancashire, UK.

Budo Chart

 

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