Mike Jones Sensei

Training notes: Katatedori kaiten nage

In modern Aikido kaiten techniques are typically referred to as “wheel throws” because the uke is projected in a wheel like shape. Traditionally, however, they were referred to as “open and turn” techniques. In the text “Budo“, Master Morihei Ueshiba describes kaiten as a turn and transform movement.

In the below video Mike Jones Sensei of NY Aikikai Dojo provides instruction on one of the basic forms of kaiten nage from a same side grab (katatedori).

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Other common forms of kaiten nage for katatedori

Morihiro Saito Sensei (8th Dan) demonstrates various traditional forms of Katatedori kaiten nage as practised by the Founder of Aikido in the immediate post war period.

Katatedori kaiten nage – Christian Tissier Sensei

In the below videos Christian Tissier Sensei (8th Dan Aiki Kai) provides instruction and technical points for 2 of the commonly practised forms of Katatedori kaiten nage.

Video 1

Video 2

Katatedori kaiten nage – “Budo Renshu”

In the below video, Ian Grant and Jeremy Gehrke Sensei of Aikido Warrior Fudoshin Dojo (Brisbane) demonstrate an alternate form of Katatedori kaiten nage inspired by O’sensei’s 1934 technical manual “Budo Renshu“.

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Katatedori aiki otoshi

Aiki otoshi techniques are commonly referred to as “blending drop” techniques. While not as commonly practised as other forms of technique, they have a long history in Aikido.

In the below video Mike Jones Sensei from New York Aikikai demonstrates and provides instruction on the basic and advanced versions of Katate dori aiki otoshi. This form of aiki otoshi is practised from a same side wrist grab.

From a safety perspective, it recommended that the advanced form of aiki otoshi not be attempted except under the close guidance and instruction of an experienced instructor familiar with the technique, including how to receive it.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Ukemi

On the following video Peter Kelly Sensei, Aikido Yuishinkai (Tasmania), provides instruction on the following:

How to safely receive Aiki otoshi as a uke?
How to teach the ukemi for the technique?
Correct form to lift and project the uke.

The video was recorded at Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane on 12 August 2015.

Aiki otoshi from other attack forms

In the below archive video R Crane Sensei (5th Dan) demonstrates the application of aiki otoshi from other attack forms typically seen in Aikido.

All the best

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo, 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.

Sumi 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