Ian Grant

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

Katate kosadori kokyu nage – Aikido Yuishinkai

In the below video Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei demonstrates and provides instruction for the Aikido technique katate kosadori kokyu nage as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai. The technique is categorised as a “breath throw” (kokyu nage) and is trained from a traditional attack in the form of a cross-hand grab (katate kosadori).

Katate kosadori kokyu nage has a long history in Aikido practice. There are numerous recordings dating as far back as the 1930’s of the Founder of Aikido (Master Morihei Uesiba) demonstrating the technique.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Katate kosadori kokyu nage – No touch variation

In the below video Maruyama Sensei demonstrates and provides instruction for the Aikido technique katate kosadori kokyu nage (reitai level) as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai.

Training at reitai level is sometimes described as “no touch” Aikido. The difficulty with this descriptor is that it suggests something pseudo mystical is happening which could not be further than the truth. The uke falls without being touched for no other reason than to avoid being “palmed in the face” (for want of a better description) by a centred nage.

Katate kosadori kokyu nage – Basic levels

The above video demonstrates and provides instruction for katate kosadori kokyu nage as practised at ryutai or free flowing level. However, it is often difficult for students to initially practice a technique at this level.

To assist students to learn the basic shapes and principles for free flowing practice, preliminary exercises are practised which in essence are simplified versions of the flowing technique. They are also practised static and cooperatively. These learning exercises are referred to as practising a technique at kotai and juntai levels. It is emphasised that these levels of practice are only exercises to learn principles applicable to Aikido practice, they are not Aikido techniques.

In the below video Maruyama Sensei provides detailed instruction for katate kosadori kokyu nage at both kotai and juntai level.

All the best

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Ryotedori seoi otoshi

While by no means the most commonly practised “drop” technique, seoi otoshi (or “shoulder drop”) has been part of Aikido since its early days.

In the below video, students from our dojo are practising the technique from a traditional where both of the nage’s wrists are grabbed (ryotedori). This form of practice is excellent for ukemi training and developing aerobic fitness for the nage.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Technical notes

In the following video Peter Kelly Sensei of Aikido Yuishinkai (Tasmania) provides technical instruction for the technique.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Ryotedori kokyu nage

The set up for ryotedori seoi otoshi (as demonstrated in the video) is the same as for ryotedori kokyu nage. For notes on ryotedori kokyu nage (including its set up) – see Training notes: Ryotedoru kokyu nage (and koshi nage).

Difference between seio otoshi and seio nage

The difference between a seio otoshi (shoulder drop) and seio nage (shoulder throw) is often a source of confusion. For discussion on the technical differences between the two technique types see – Seio otoshi and seio nage – Whats the difference?

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

Training notes: Ryotedori yonkyo

In the below video, Peter Kelly Sensei, Chief Instructor Aikido Yuishinkai Australia, provides instruction on how to perform ryotedori yonkyo.

A key aspect of Peter Sensei’s instruction is the notion that yonkyo (No 4 wrist technique) is not at its essence intended to be a technique to control a uke by inflicting wrist pain. Rather it is a method of hyper-extending the uke’s shoulder to control their centre.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Hand position – Initial shoulder extension

Yonkyo pin

Ryotedori kokyu nage

The set up for ryotedori yonkyo as (demonstrated in the video) is the same as for ryotedori kokyu nage. For notes on ryotedori kokyu nage (including its set up) – see Training notes: Ryotedoru kokyu nage (and koshi nage).

Yonkyo basics

For notes on the basic principles of yonkyo (including video of Maruyama Sensei teaching the technique) see – Training Notes – Yonkyo (the basics)

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Budo (1938): Tachi dori shomen giri kotegaeshi

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. 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