martial arts

Training notes: Katatedori kokyu ho

In the below videos Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) demonstrates the basic version of Katatedori kokyu ho.

The application is performed from a single hand grab (katatedori) and is categorised as a breath exercise (kokyu ho) or breath throw (kokyu nage).

Kokyu ho exercises are used in Aikido to assist in developing internal power. They can also be techniques in themselves (kokyu nage) or form key aspects of other techniques. At higher levels of practice kokyu ho principles form part of every technique.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Technical details

Katatedori kokyu ho – Alternate application (1)

In the following video Donovan Waite Sensei (7th Dan Aikikai) demonstrates an alternate application of katatedori kokyu nage. Waite Sensei’s instruction emphasises the importance of connection. Also of note in this version of the technique is the use of the elbow to effect balance and the pushing away of the uke to complete the technique.

Alternate application (2) – Peter Brady Shihan

In the below video, Peter Brady Shihan (7th Dan Aikikai) provides instruction for an alternate application of Katatedori kokyu ho.

Alternate application (3) – Donovan Waite Sensei

Alternate application (4) – Peter Kelly Sensei

The below video was recorded at our dojo on 12 August 2015 as part of a special class given by Peter Kelly Sensei of Aikido Yuishinkai (Tasmania) on kokyu ho applications in Aikido practice.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

Training notes: Deflection principles for Jodan tsuki

In the below video, Peter Kelly Sensei (Chief Instructor, Aikido Yuishinkai), examines the principles for deflecting a direct strike to the face (Jodan tsuki).

The type of training demonstrated in the video is strongly advocated at our dojo. It is grounded in in underpinning philosophy that Aikido principles and martial application should be studied hand in hand, and in effect should inform each other. The demonstrated method of deflection method is based on thrust and cut bokken movements, which in turn draw on skills developed through our weapons katas.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Jodan tsuki

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Yokomenuchi irimi nage

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on the traditional version of yokomenuchi irimi nage as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Alternate application (1) – Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei

In the below videos Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei (8th Dan Aikikai) demonstrates and provides instruction for the basic version of Yokomenuchi irimi nage.

Alternate application (2) – Andy Sato Sensei

Alternate Application (3) – Ki aikido – Aikido Yuishinkai

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, demonstrates and provides instruction on how to perform yokomenuchi irimi nage (ura) as practiced in Aikido Yuishinkai.

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Seoi otoshi and seoi nage – What’s the difference?

While by no means the most commonly practised “drop” technique, seoi otoshi has nonetheless been part of Aikido since its early days. A question often asked whenever seio otoshi is practised in the dojo is what is the difference between a seoi otoshi (shoulder drop) and a seoi nage (shoulder throw)?

Given the fact that both techniques involve the loading of the uke onto the back of the nagi (which is what “seoi”means), the confusion between the techniques is understandable. Its is also a technically trite (albeit correct) response to merely state that seoi nage is something more associated with Judo than Aikido.

From a technical perspective, the distinguishing feature of a seio otoshi is that the nage drops to one or both knees and stays there until the completion of the technique. By comparison, in seoi nage the nage completes the technique from a standing position. Further, a technique is still a seoi nage notwithstanding that the nage may have dropped to one or both knees and then returned to a standing position to complete it.

The below video includes demonstrations of both seio otoshi and seio nage by seniors at our dojo. The video is a compilation from various sources, including gradings and taninzugake (free form) practice.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

Training Notes: Ryotodori tenchi nage

In the below videos Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on the traditional versions of ryotedori tenchi nage as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life. The technique is applied in the context of a 2 hand grab attack (ryotedori)

ADDITIONAL NOTES

A closer look at the basics – Kayla Feder Sensei

In the below video Kayla Feder Sensei (a direct student of Saito Sensei) provides instruction on ryotedori tenchi nage at (kihon or basic level). Feder Sensei also shows the progression of the technique from basic to advanced applications. Feder Sensei kindly shares her insights into Aikido on a variety of social media forums. Those looking for training tips of traditional Aikido applications are recommended to explore her many videos on You tube.

Tenkan principles for ryotedori tenchi nage

In the below video Christian Tissier sensei (8th Dan Aikikai) explains the aiki principles under pinning the tenkan application of ryotedori tenchi nage. Tissier sensei also explores the kokyu ho movement that may be used to effectively achieve kuzushi (destruction of balance) at the completion of the technique.

Direct entry application

In the below video, Peter Kelly Sensei, International Instructor, Aikido Yuishinkai, demonstrates provides instruction on tenchi nage (heaven and earth throw). The video was recorded at our dojo on 12 August 2015 as part of a special class given by Peter Sensei on kokyu ho applications in aikido practice.

Brief Biography – Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002)

Morihiro 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.

Saito Sensei spent his teaching life dedicated to preserving the technical style of Aikido as practised and shown to him by O’sensei in the post-war period. Without his commitment to preserving the Aikido of the Founder and extensive efforts to record and document his teachings, much of the Aikido of O’sensei would have no doubt been lost. The Aikido world owes him a great debt.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo