Martial arts in Brisbane

Training notes: Katatedori sumi otoshi

Otoshi (or drop) techniques feature prominently in a variety of martial arts, including Aikido, Judo and Jujitsu. Otoshi techniques are typically thought of as “hand throws” and when applied correctly generate a surprising amount of power that literally has the effect of dropping (some might say “driving”) the uke straight into the mat.

Ueshiba 5Sumi otoshi (corner drop) is probably the most common drop technique practised in Aikido. The particularly appealing features of this technique include its directness in execution and the fact that it is able to be used to in response to a wide variety of traditional attack situations.

However, while sumi otoshi looks deceptively simple on its face, in reality it requires considerable skill to apply  with any degree of martial integrity.  For example skills in kuzushi (i.e. off-balancing), timing, moving off-line and centred movement are essential.

In the below video, Mike Jones Sensei from  New York Aikikai provides instruction for sumi otoshi from an attack in the form of a same side hand grab (Katate dori).

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Alternate application

Donovan Waite Sensei (7th Dan Aikikai) in the following video demonstrates and provides training tips for an alternate application of  katatedori sumi otoshi, as well as the variation in the featured video.

 

  • Learning ukemi

In every technique ii is important to learn not only how to execute it, but also how to safely receive it (ukemi).  In the below video, Waite Sensei demonstrates how the nage can assist the uke in safely learning ukemi for the sumi otoshi.

 

 

  • Aikido Yuishinkai (Tasmania)

The demonstration is by Peter Kelly Sensei of Aikido Yuishinkai (Tasmania). The source material was kindly provided courtesy of Bill Hely.

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training Notes – Ryotedori kokyunage and koshinage

Peter KellyThis video training note examines ryotedori kokyu nage and koshi nage applications.  The video extract is from from a class given by Peter Kelly Sensei (7th Dan, Aikido Yuishinkai) at the Aikido Warrior Dojo on 17 May 2014.

Peter Sensei’s interpretation of koshi nage (hip throw) is heavily influenced by the approach taken by Yoshio Kuroiwa Sensei. Peter Sensei makes the following comment in this regard:

“Yoshio Kuroiwa Sensei always taught with a stick to teach lines and internal power vectors and triangulation. He was very martial, an ex boxer. Great understanding of movement. I have tried very hard to follow his style of Koshi. If it’s easy and smooth, no can defence.”

In the video extract Peter Sensei notes that O’Sensei often joked that he could do koshinage all day and not get tired.  The ukemi challenges associated with koshinage are also explored.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo