Its great when a chest grab (munadori) deflection works out. However, sooner or later the stars won’t line up and you will be grabbed. One option for a plan B is munadori seio otoshi.
Have a great week
Ian Grant
Head Dojo Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo
Traditionally kokyo ho (breath power) techniques were considered to contain the secret of true power in Aikido and were never taught publicly. The Founder of Aikido, Master Morihei Ueshiba, included kokyu ho training in all his classes – a tradition that we also follow in our dojo.
In the below video, Aikido Warrior Dojo seniors are shown practising at ryutai level one of the many variations of munetsuki kokyu nage that are practised in our school. Also included is recent footage of the Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, Master Koretoshi Maruyama teaching the reitai level of the technique at a class in Japan.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
In the below video made by the London Aikido Club, munetsuki kokyu nage is examined from a traditional kokyu ho perspective.
The London Aikido Club studies the Aikido of Morihiro Saito Sensei and generously shares many of its teachings on the web. Those interested in the study of traditional Aikido as taught by the Founder in the post war period of his life may wish to check out the London Aikido Club’s You tube channel.
All the best
Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane
In the 1930’s Master Morihei Ueshiba (O’sensei), the Founder of Aikido, published two known technical manuals for his Art. Both manuals are a source of constant reference at our dojo and form an important part of our study of O’Sensei’s Aikido through Aikido Kenkyukai.
The second of the two manuals, and certainly the most well-known, is simply titled Budo (1938). The content of this 2nd manual is supported by step by step photographs and instructional commentary for each technique.
For a convenient overview of the techniques referenced in the manual see below a chart that was prepared by Preston Aikido Sakura Dojo in Preston, Lancashire, UK.
Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo
In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (9th Dan) demonstrates the Aikido technique shomenuchi ikkyo (omote and ura).
In the demonstrated technique, which is based on The Founder’s instruction in the text “Budo” (1938), the nage initiates the application by applying a vertical strike to the face of the uke.
Pinning techniques are referred to as osae waza in Aikido practice. Ikkyo is the “first technique” in osae waza.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
In the below pictorial demonstration, Morihiro Saito provides instruction on the basic omote application of the technique. Notably in the basic application the nage strikes first.
Shomenuchi ikkyo (ura) – Takemusu Aikido, Vol. 1
In the below pictorial demonstration, Morihiro Saito provides instruction on the basic ura application of the technique. Notably in the basic application outlined below the nage strikes first.
However, the basic ura version is also able to be applied if the nage initiates the strike first. In the Founder’s 1938 manual it states “When your opponent strikes first with shomen, turn around the attack with irimi tankan, use your right hand to receive the blow and then control your opponent as described..”.
The pin for this technique is often seen done with a form of nikyo pin. This is not in fact the correct pin. In the below picture, O’sensei demonstrates the pin for shomenuchi ikkyo.
In his 1933 text “Budo“, Master Morihei Ueshiba (O’sensei) also states that “when pinning your opponent to the ground it is essential that his arm be at a right angle to his body” (see picture).
The uke’s arm remains horizontal in the second part of the technique. The uke’s hand should not be higher than their shoulder or vice versa. The uke’s arm always remains in front of the nage’s centre.
This is the case regardless of whether the technique is performed standing or where uke and nage are both kneeling (suwari waza).
In the following video Chicko Sensei uses the sword to demonstrate the footwork for entering for omote applications in (ki no nagare) free flowing practice. Ura footwork is also explained.
In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei (6th Dan AKI Aikikai) provides instruction on some of the key Aiki principles that underpin practice of Shomenuchi ikkyo for free flowing practice (ki no nagare).
Our dojo is part of the Fudoshin Australia Group of dojos operating under the guidance and mentorship of Chicko Sensei.
The technical aspects underpinning dynamic practice of shomenuchi ikkyo are further explored in the below instructional video featuring Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei (8th Dan Aikikai). The uke is a young Donovan Waite Sensei (7th Dan ).
In the below video students from our dojo demonstrate an application of the technique where the elbow is used by the nage to strike and take the initial balance of the uke.
In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei explains the Aiki principles for shomenuchi ikkyo when it is practised from zagi waza/suwari waza (ie where both nage and uke are kneeling).
Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Fudoshin Dojo, Brisbane
Hanmi handachi waza (sometimes called Zagi handachi waza) is a common form of Aikido practice whereby the nage is in a kneeling position and the uke attacks while standing. In this type of training the uke has the advantage of both mobility and height. The nage, however, has the advantage of a lower centre of gravity and a triangular base.
Training in Hanmi handachi waza is particularly beneficial as it develops skills in taking a uke‘s balance with only minimal lower body movement. The training also assists in understanding the importance of centre and use of the centre line in Aikido practice.
In the below video, seniors from our dojo demonstrate how we typically practice the Aikido technique Hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage. This technique is from the broader Aikido syllabus and is demonstrated both a static attack and where the attack is under motion. The static version that we practice is inspired by O’sensei‘s manual “Budo Renshu“.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
In the below video, Master Morihei Useshiba (O’sensei) demonstrates Hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage from a single grab. Particularly notable in this version is the use of atemi (striking) by the nage.
Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo
Aikido Warrior Dojo 
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