Please note that the dojo has changed its training hours to the following.
Aikido
Saturday morning: 10.00am -11.30 am
Wednesday evening: 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Wednesday evening: 7.30pm – 8.45pm
The changes have been made to better accommodate the needs of our members who typically have family and work obligations.
Have a great weekend
Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior, Dojo
In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (9th Dan) demonstrates the Aikido technique shomenuchi ikkyo (omote and ura).
In the demonstrated technique, which is based on The Founder’s instruction in the text “Budo” (1938), the nage initiates the application by applying a vertical strike to the face of the uke.
Pinning techniques are referred to as osae waza in Aikido practice. Ikkyo is the “first technique” in osae waza.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
In the below pictorial demonstration, Morihiro Saito provides instruction on the basic omote application of the technique. Notably in the basic application the nage strikes first.
Shomenuchi ikkyo (ura) – Takemusu Aikido, Vol. 1
In the below pictorial demonstration, Morihiro Saito provides instruction on the basic ura application of the technique. Notably in the basic application outlined below the nage strikes first.
However, the basic ura version is also able to be applied if the nage initiates the strike first. In the Founder’s 1938 manual it states “When your opponent strikes first with shomen, turn around the attack with irimi tankan, use your right hand to receive the blow and then control your opponent as described..”.
The pin for this technique is often seen done with a form of nikyo pin. This is not in fact the correct pin. In the below picture, O’sensei demonstrates the pin for shomenuchi ikkyo.
In his 1933 text “Budo“, Master Morihei Ueshiba (O’sensei) also states that “when pinning your opponent to the ground it is essential that his arm be at a right angle to his body” (see picture).
The uke’s arm remains horizontal in the second part of the technique. The uke’s hand should not be higher than their shoulder or vice versa. The uke’s arm always remains in front of the nage’s centre.
This is the case regardless of whether the technique is performed standing or where uke and nage are both kneeling (suwari waza).
In the following video Chicko Sensei uses the sword to demonstrate the footwork for entering for omote applications in (ki no nagare) free flowing practice. Ura footwork is also explained.
In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei (6th Dan AKI Aikikai) provides instruction on some of the key Aiki principles that underpin practice of Shomenuchi ikkyo for free flowing practice (ki no nagare).
Our dojo is part of the Fudoshin Australia Group of dojos operating under the guidance and mentorship of Chicko Sensei.
The technical aspects underpinning dynamic practice of shomenuchi ikkyo are further explored in the below instructional video featuring Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei (8th Dan Aikikai). The uke is a young Donovan Waite Sensei (7th Dan ).
In the below video students from our dojo demonstrate an application of the technique where the elbow is used by the nage to strike and take the initial balance of the uke.
In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei explains the Aiki principles for shomenuchi ikkyo when it is practised from zagi waza/suwari waza (ie where both nage and uke are kneeling).
Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Fudoshin Dojo, Brisbane
Opposite side one-hand hold wrist grabs are typically one of the first basic attacks that a new student to Aikido is trained to address. Although arguably not a particularly martial or common contemporary attack form, learning to neutralise and redirect an attack of this kind can nonetheless be surprisingly challenging both at static and free-flowing level.
Training to deal with wrist grabs is particularly useful for learning and reinforcing many of the basic principles that underpin our Art. The less aggressive nature of the attack (compared to say a strike) allows the nage (i.e. the receiver of the attack) to more readily focus on such things as correct footwork, moving around the point of contact, basic balance breaking principles, correct posture and movement, maintaining centre and getting off-line.
Cross hand wrist grabs in Aikido practice are referred to as Ai hanmi katate dori, Kosadori or Katate kosa dori. The name used depends on the school and some use the terms interchangeably. Generally speaking, ki aikido schools tend to use the term Katate kosa dori.
In the below video, Mike Jones Sensei (New York Aikikai) demonstrates and provides instruction on the 2 basic forms (omote and ura) of the Aikido technique ikkyo when applied in response to a static cross hand grab. Further detail on how to apply the technique is provided in the Additional Notes section below.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
See below a photo demonstration (including description) and accompanying video by Morihiro Saito Sensei (9th Dan) of the key elements that make up the basic form of Kosadori ikkyo omote.
*Source: “Morihori Saito’s Complete Guide to Aikido” (2015)
The below video provides important training tips by Sensei Andy Hathaway (London Aikido Club) for performing Ai hanmi katate dori/ kosadori ikkyo (omote).
In the below video seniors from our dojo demonstrate the way we typically practise kosadori ikkyo at ki no nagare (free flowing) level. Notably, the application incorporates a direct entry movement combined with an atemi intent (i.e. an elbow strike) to break the balance of the uke. As demonstrated in the video, this method of application is more easily learnt by first practising it from shomenuchi ikkyo.
The below videos provides important training tips by Sensei Andy Hathaway (London Aikido Club) for performing the traditional version ura version of Ai hamni katate dori/kosadori ikkyo.
Have a great week
Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane
Zagi waza (also referred to as suwari waza) is a form of Aikido practice performed from the initial position of nage and uke sitting opposite and facing each other while kneeling (seiza). This type of practice is particularly useful for developing skills relevant to maintaining and taking balance, moving the body off-line and as a single unit, leverage principles, breath power and keeping centre line.
In our dojo, suwari waza is practiced at most classes. Initially, the typical form of practice is static in nature and involves the uke holding the nage’s wrists with each hand. This static form of practice is referred to as zagi waza kokyu ho.
As we progress in our studies, other forms of attack are added to our zagi waza practice including responses to strikes.
In the below video, Chicko Xerri Sensei (6th Dan AKI Aikikai) explores some of the key Aiki principles underpinning the practice of zagi waza shomenuchi ikkyo. There are many recordings of the Founder of Aikido demonstrating this particular form of zagi waza which is performed in the context of a downward strike to the temple (shomenuchi).
ADDITIONAL NOTES
The below video features suwari waza when responding to a straight strike to the centre of the head (shomenuchi). The demonstrated technique (performed by Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei) is suwari waza shomenuchi ikkyo.
The below demonstration is by Peter Kelly Sensei, Seishin no Shugyo Dojo, Tasmania. The source material was kindly provided courtesy of Bill Hely.
Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo
Aikido Warrior Dojo 
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