Morihiro Saito Sensei

Budo (1938) – Tanto dori munetsuki kotegaeshi

In 1938 Master Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido, finalised the 2nd of his 3 technical texts. Simply titled “Budo“, the text contains a sampling of techniques from a wide range of attacks, including grabs, strikes and attacks from different weapons. “Budo” is an important reference point for our practice.

The below video features a photographic demonstration of tanto tori munetsuki kotogaeshi (Technique 33) as it appears in “Budo“. The principles underpinning the technique (aside from the disarm) are similar to the unarmed version. Also included in the video is a demonstration of the technique (including a variation with atemi) by Morihiro Saito Sensei who was a direct student of the Founder for more than 20 years.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Principles underpinning munetsuki kotegaeshi

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei gives detailed instruction for the traditional application of munetsuki kotegaeshi. The instruction applies equally to the armed and unarmed versions of the technique.

Have a great weekend.

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training Notes: Tanto dori – Yokomenuchi kokyu nage

In the below video Koretoshi Maruyama SEnsei, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, demonstrates and provides instruction on the Aikido technique, tanto tori yokomenuchi kokyu nage.

The technique is performed as a response to a yokomenuchi strike with a tanto (wooden knife) to the side of the neck. The tanto for this technique is held as if holding an ice pick. The blade is facing upwards at the commencement of the attack.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Yokomenuchi kokyu nage – Key principles

Yokomenuchi kokyu nage can be applied to any downward strike to the side of the head, regardless of whether the uke is armed with a tanto. In the below video Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei examines in detail the key aspects of this technique. The instruction given is equally applicable to circumstance where the uke is also armed with a tanto.

Yokomenuchi kokyu nage – Origins

Yokomenuchi kokyu nage (irimi) has a long history in Aikido. The technique appears as technique number 42 in O’sensei‘s first technical manual “Budo Renshu” (1934). The notable difference in this early version is that the nage cuts down through the uke‘s neck and also cuts down and then hold’s the wrist of the uke’s attacking arm. (See O’sensei‘s drawings below).

However, the kokyu ho principles necessary to effectively apply the technique remain the same.

In O’sensei’s 2nd manual “Budo” (1938) the roles of nage and uke for the technique are described as follows:

“Uke: Deliver a yokomen strike with your right hand. “Tori (i.e. nage): Step forward on your left foot and use your left te gatana (i.e. hand sword) to neutralise your opponent’s attack, simultaneously striking his face (and down him).”

Kokyu ho principles underpinning technique

Kokyu ho exercises are something that we do a lot of at our dojo as a means of developing internal strength in our techniques. Kokyu ho exercises were the traditional method used by O’sensei to develop “ki power” in his Aikido.

In the below video, Morihei Saito Sensei demonstrates and explains the kokyu ho exercise relevant to yokomenuchi kokyu nage (irimi).

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

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

Training notes: Shomenuchi 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, Morhiro Saito Sensei demonstrates shomenuchi kaiten nage.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Technical instruction

In the below video produced by the London Aikido Club, Andy Hathaway Sensei provides instruction on technical aspect of the technique.

The London Aikido Club 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.

Aikido Warrior Demonstration

See below an informal practice session by Aikido Warrior dojo seniors experimenting with alternate applications of shomenuchi kaiten nage including from hamni handachi (nage is kneeling) . The recording was taken after a Saturday morning class.

Shomenuchi kaiten nage – Parrying

For detailed instruction on parrying and balance taking methods for shomenuchi strikes see – Shomenuchi deflections methods.

Oher kaiten nage techniques

For training notes on other applications of kaiten nage see Video Library: Unarmed arts (by technique). Technique groups (e.g. ikkyo, irimi nage etc.) are ordered alphabetically.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Yokomenuchi kokyu nage (makikomi)

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on 2 traditional versions of yokomenuchi makikomi as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life.

Makikomi (“wrap around”) techniques are most commonly seen used in response to a traditional strike to the side of the head (yokomenuchi). However, they can also be applied to a range of other attack forms. Depending on the school, makikomi techniques are sometimes referred to as another form of kokyu nage (“breath throw”).

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Position of hands at first contact

Aikido Yuishinkai (Version 1)

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, provides instruction on the Aikido technique yokomenuchi makikomi as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai.

Aikido Yuishinkai (Version 2)

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo