martial arts

Training notes: Tachi dori shomen giri kokyu nage

In the below video Aikido Warrior Dojo seniors demonstrate and explain key aspects of the Aikido technique shomen giri kokyu nage. The technique is demonstrated as a response to a downward strike to the head (shomen) where the uke is armed with a wooden sword (bokken).

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Hand position on hilt of the bokken

Placement of the elbow

Tachi dori shomen giri kokyu nage – A deeper look

In the below video, Peter Brady Shihan (7th Dan Aikikai) provides more detailed instruction on the subject version of Bokken tori shomenuchi kokyu nage . While Brady Sensei is not part of our school, the method of applying the techniques is very similar (if not the same) as that practised in our dojo.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Tanto dori – Munetsuki hiji kime

In the below video, Dojo senior Jeremy Gehrke demonstrates the Aikido technique – Munetsuki hiji kime. The technique is applied in the context of a traditional knife attack to the abdomen.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Alternate version

In the below video clip, Mike Jones Sensei from NY Aiki kai demonstrates an alternate version of tanto tori munetsuki hiji kime. In this version the nage remains standing at the completion of the technique (similar to a traditional kokyu nage ending ). The principles being applied, however, are the same and equally applicable to the featured video demonstration (above).

Also included in the video are combined elbow and choke retraining techniques for addressing an attack with a tanto. These techniques are also practised at our dojo.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Jo nage shiho nage

The below video was recorded at a recent class at our dojo where we studied a form of Aikido practice referred to as jo nage. In this type of practice the nage (i.e. the person applying the technique) is armed with a wooden staff (a jo).

The jo nage technique being explored is the traditional version of shiho nage (4 directions throw). Both the omote and ura forms are demonstrated.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Jo nage shiho nage – more detailed look

For more detailed instruction the traditional form of jo nage shiho nage see the below a video of Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) providing instruction on the technique.

Saito Sensei’s practice of Aikido spanned 56 years and he is one of the most important teachers in Aikido history. Saito Sensei was a live-in student of O’sensei for more than 20 years at his home dojo in Iwama, Japan.

Have a great weekend.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Video compilation – Aikido Warrior Dojo class – 4 June 2016

A fun video compilation recorded at a class at our dojo on 4 June 2016.

Parrying – Shomen strikes

For those interested in Aikido as a method of self-defence, an important aspect of Aikido training is the practice of methods for parrying and deflecting attacks.

In the below video produced by the TenShin Aikido Federation, instruction is given on how to effectively deflect a shomenuchi (downward temple strike) using what is sometimes referred to in Aikido as a suriage movement. This method of deflection is particularly effective in addressing a shomen strike and when done correctly readily sets up a variety of Aikido applications.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Suriage movement – Kaiten nage application

In the below video taken at a class at our dojo, suriage is used to set up a kaiten nage (or wheel throw).

Acknowledgement of Tenshin Aikido

Aikido Warrior Dojo would like to acknowledge and extend its appreciation to TenShin Aikido Federation for making the featured video. In 2003, Renshi Santos Shihan founded the TenShin Aikido Federation (TAF) in honor of O’Sensei and those who introduced TenShin Aikido into his life, including Steven Seagal Shihan. For some excellent videos on Tenshin Aikido check out their “Rogue Warrior” channel on You tube.