Bokken tori

Budo (1938) – Tachi dori shomenuchi kokyu nage

In 1938 Master Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido, finalised the 2nd of his 3 technical texts. Simply titled “Budo“, the text contains a sampling of techniques from a wide range of attacks, including grabs, strikes and attacks from different weapons.

“Budo” is an important reference point for our practice at Aikido Warrior Dojo. The techniques and principles referred to therein are regularly practised.

Interestingly, the Founder only included 3 tachi dori techniques in his 2nd text. Further, 2 of the 3 techniques are variations of tachi dori shomenuchi kokyu nage. In the first version (Technique 28) the nage enters to the uke’s right and in the second (Technique 29) enters to the uke‘s left. Notably, in both techniques the Founder always enters on the same side as his forward foot (thereby ensuring he does not move under the vertically cutting blade).

The below videos feature photographic demonstrations of both versions of bokken tori shomenuchi kokyu nage as they appear in “Budo”. Also included are demonstrations of the techniques by Morihiro Saito Sensei who was a direct student of the Founder for more than 20 years.

Bokken tori shomenuchi kokyu nage (Technique 28)

Bokken tori shomenuchi kokyu nage (Technique 29)

For comparative purposes, the following video includes both the pre-war (Budo) version of the subject technique and also the post war version. Both versions are practised at our dojo.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Budo (1938): Tachi dori shomen giri kotegaeshi

“Budo” is an important reference point for our practice at Aikido Warrior Dojo. The techniques and principles referred to therein are regularly practised.

Interestingly, the Founder only included 3 tachi dori techniques in his 2nd text. One of these was tachi dori showmen giri kotegaeshi.

The below video features a photographic demonstration tachi dori shomen giri kotegaeshi as it appears in “Budo”. Also included are demonstrations of the technique by Morihiro Saito Sensei who was a direct student of the Founder for more than 20 years.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

O’sensei’s explanation of tachi dori shomen giri kotegaeshi (1938)

In O’sensei’s manual “Budo” (1938), there is substantive instruction given for tachi dori shomen giri kotegaeshi. In edited form, it reads as follows:

“As soon as your opponent cuts, move with the speed of the gods and enter deeply to the right with irimi tankan. Strike your opponents right wrist with your left te-gatana (hand sword), remain aware of possible attackers to the rear and strike your opponent’s face with your right fist…

Apply …kotegaeshi .. and down your opponent. In this case it is necessary to control his hand and sword with the little and ring fingers of your right hand. Next turn your opponent round to the left, pin him face down, take the sword and hold it to his neck”

Hand position for take down and wrist pin

The traditional hand position on the bokken for the takedown to the mat and wrist pin is shown in the pictures below. Note the hilt of the bokken is grabbed with the nage’s right little finger and ring finger. The nage’s left thumb is at the base of the uke’s right ring finger.

Atemi

At the completion of the irimi tenkan movement there is the option of atemi in the form of striking the uke’s face with your right hand.

Practice of atemi in this way is a most useful practice tool to assist in learning the correct positioning for the technique.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Tachi dori shomen giri kokyu nage

In the below video Peter Brady Sensei ((7th Dan Aikikai) demonstrates and provides instruction for the Aikido technique – kokyu nage (breath throw). The technique is demonstrated as a response to a downward strike to the head (shomenuchi) where the uke is armed with a wooden sword (bokken).

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Hand position on hilt of the bokken

The elbow debate

There are contrasting views on whether the nage should place their right elbow under the left elbow of the uke and apply pressure to the uke‘s elbow to take their balance (before attempting to project the uke). This approach can be seen in the picture to left.

The diverging opinions appear to be based on philosophical and stylistic differences, including differing perspectives on the role of kuzushi and uke compliance in Aikido practice. That being said, there is no doubt this applied kokyu ho approach is a martially effective option and was practised by O’sensei in the post war period of his training.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Atemi waza – Bokken tori shomenuchi

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