atemi waza

Learning from other martial arts – Jodan tsuki kokyu nage

Its always disappointing to read and hear martial artists criticise how each other train and make comparative negative assessments on the worthiness of differing Aikido schools and martial systems. Martial art bigotry of this kind has never had a place in our dojo and never will.

We have had the privilege on many occasions of having visitors train with us from different styles of Aikido and martial arts systems, including judo, tai chi chuan, taekwondo, jujitsu and traditional sword practitioners. In all instances the interaction has not only given us some insights into their respective martial art/sport, but equally importantly given us greater understanding of our own Aikido and training practices.

In the below video, Dojo Senior Jeremy Gehrke, who is also boxing student, gives me the opportunity practice my Aiki parrying skills in response to committed boxing strikes. The technique that is ultimately applied (on the change of strike) is a form of breath throw – Jodan tsuki kokyu nage.

I should add that the video should not be viewed as Aikido vs boxing. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jeremy is doing no more than giving me two forms of committed boxing strikes and allowing me to practice and develop responses to them using Aiki principles. In short, he is a training partner graciously assisting me to learn and not a competitor in any way.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Conventional practice for jodan tsuki

In the below video Dojo seniors (Ian Grant and Peter Marendy) practice jodan tsuki as it is typically trained in our dojo.

Jodan tsuki

Jodan tsuki ikkyo – Multiple strike application

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Fudoshn Dojoi

Training notes: Munadori koshi nage

In the below video, Morihiro Saito Sensei (9th Dan) demonstrates 3 versions of the Aikido technique koshi nage (hip throw) in response to a front lapel grab (munedori).

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Mundadori koshi nage (Nage takes wrist from below)

Munadori menuchi koshi nage (omote)

The below video demonstrates how koshi nage is performed if the lapel grab is accompanied by a strike to the temple.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Striking options in Aikido practice

Striking arts (atemi) are an integral part of aikido practice. It is often stated that as much as 70% of Aikido is about atemi. Some sources suggest that this percentage should be more like 90%.

While atemi waza can be an end in itself, it is also used in Aikido to do any or all of the following:

setting up a technique by taking the nage’s balance; or
diverting the uke’s attention; or
completing a technique.

In the below videos, Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) demonstrates some of the striking options practised by Master Morihei Ueshiba (the Founder of Aikido) in the post war period of his training. Consistent with our commitment to study the Aikido of the Founder, the demonstrated striking options form an important part of the training that we undertake at the dojo.

For ease of reference, the videos are arranged based on classification of technique.

ATEMI OPTIONS

Atemi waza – Irimi nage

Atemi waza – Kokyu nage

Atemi waza – Kotegeashi

Atemi waza – Nikyo

Atemi waza – Shiho nage

Have a great weekend

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Atemi waza – Munetsuki strikes

In Aikido, strikes (atemi) are often used to set up techniques, as well as being an end in themselves.

In the below video Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei demonstrates and provides instruction on how strikes to the torso (munetsuki) are executed in Aikido Yuishinkai.

The demonstrated method of munetsuki generates its power through the lower limbs to take full advantage of what is sometimes referred to in Aikido as the vertical-horizontal plane. In most simple terms – one sinks to move forward.

The result is that the strike is backed by the entire body of the nage rather just the activation of the muscle groups in the upper arm. It also allows the nage’s body to naturally move off the line of an incoming direct attack and facilitates extra strike reach than would normally be expected (see below video).

For further videos and discussion of atemi waza in Aikido training on this site see – Atemi arts (striking)

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Munadori juji nage

In the below video, Morihiro Saito Sensei (9th Dan) demonstrates 2 versions of the Aikido technique juji nage (crossed arms throw) in response to a front lapel grab (munedori).

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Hand position (standard version)

Munadori juji nage – London Aikido Club

In the below video Sensei Andy Hathaway of the London Aikido Club demonstrates and discusses important aiki training points for Munadori juji nage, including use of the hips, shifting weight, breaking the munadori grip and atemi opportunities.

Munadori juji nage – kokyu ho variation

In this second video by the London Aikido Club, Sensei Andy Hathaway teaches a variation of Munadori juji nage based on traditional kokyu ho principles for dealing with munadori attacks.

Munadori juji nage – Suwari waza

In the below munadori juji nage is demonstrated with both the nage and uke facing each other while on their knees. This is referred to a zagi waza or suwari waza, depending on the Aikido style.

The kneeling version of munedori juji nage has a long history in Aikido. It dates back to the 1930’s and is included in both of O’Sensei’s technical manuals from that period.

In O’sensei’s 1938 demonstration the uke is pinned with one hand thereby allowing O’Sensei the option of applying an additional atemi to the uke‘s torso. It also places the nage in the more advantageous position to deal with additional attackers if need be.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo