morotedori

Aiki studies for 2 person attacks – Morotedori

Training with 2 person attacks (Futari dori) is a common form of Aikido practice.  There are numerous syllabus techniques that can be practiced in these circumstances depending on the nature and the type of attack.  Typically beginners practice with the ukes statically holding each arm under resistance.

As we progress to Aiki practice, formal syllabus technique is replaced with more free flowing and spontaneous responses.  The emphasis is on Aiki principles rather than defined outcomes.

In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei (6th Dan, AKI Aikikai, Tokyo) explores Aiki principles for dealing with a 2 person attack where both ukes attempt to apply a morotedori based grab. Key learnings include:

  • Gathering the attack;
  • Breathing;
  • Moving off-line;
  • Taking balance; and
  • Understanding the sword principles that underpin the movement.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Our dojo is an Aikido Kenkyukai Fudoshin dojo operating under the guidance and mentorship of  Chicko Xerri Sensei, 6th dan AKI (Aikikai), Tokyo.

Chicko Sensei has been practising and teaching Aikido for more than 45 years and is endorsed by Doshu Ueshiba.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Fudoshin Warrior Dojo, Brisbane
Aikido Kenkyukai

Aiki studies for 2 hand grabs – Kokyu nage

The term morote dori refers to a traditional attack form whereby the uke grabs the nage’s wrists with 2 hands.  Responses to a morote dori attack are practised in our school both from a static position under resistance and also in free flowing form.

In the below video Takeda Satoshi Shihan (7th Dan AKI/Aiki Kai, Kamakura BudoKan) uses both static and free flowing forms of morote dori to explain the Aiki principle of “gathering an attack”.  Sensei explains how to use this principle to take the uke off balance and then project the uke with a kokyu intent.

Associated Aiki principals also referred to in Sensei’s instruction include:

  • relaxed posture,
  • centre line,
  • moving as a single unit and
  • focussing on the entirety of the uke rather than the point of contact.

The video was recorded as part of special class given by Satoshi Sensei at our dojo on 25 November 2017.  

 

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Fudoshin Warrior Dojo, Brisbane
Aikido Kenkyukai

Training notes: Morotedori irimi nage

3Irimi nage (or entering throw) is a technique unique to Aikido. Irimi means to enter physically and spiritually  into an attack while simultaneously sidestepping it.

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on an application of irimi nage used to address a traditional attack in the form of a 2 hand grab on the nage’s arm (morotedori sometimes also called ryotemochi). This particular application was practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life.

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Option for atemi (strike) 

Ryoto atemi

 

 

 

 

 

  • Morotedori irimi nage – Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei 

In the below video Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei (8th Dan Aikikai) demonstrates and provides instruction for morotedori irimi nage.  

 

  • Other Morotedori  techniques

See – Video library: Unarmed arts by attack type.

 

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

 

Training Notes – Morotedori kokyu ho

OsenseiMorote tori kokyu ho was one of the three techniques O’Sensei taught at all of his classes.  At basic level, the technique is practised against a uke who is offering  resistance.  O”Sensei considered that the regular practice of morotedori kokyu ho was essential to build an “aiki body“.

Given the high emphasis that the Founder placed on morote tori kokyu, it is regularly practised at our dojo.

In the below videos Morihiro Saito Sensei (9th Dan) demonstrates morotedori kokyu ho at kihon (basic) and ki no nagare (free flowing) levels.

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Technical details – Basic (kihon) level – Morihiro Saito Sensei

 

  • Morotedori kokyu ho – ki no nagare

In the below video, Saito Sensei demonstrates how to apply Morotedori kokyu ho at a higher level free flowing technique.  This level of application should not be attempted until mastery of the basic version has been achieved.

 

  • Hanmi

In the following video, Saito Sensei explains in more detail the hanmi principles underlying morotedori kokyu ho.

 

  • Correct way to grab

 

  • Morotedori kokyu ho – Peter Kelly Sensei 

In the below video, Peter Kelly Sensei, Aikido Yuishinkai Tasmania, provides training tips on morote tori kokyu ho.  Peter Sensei describes the movement as follows:

“The basic premis is a double spiral, both the hara and the arm. The left hand atemi to the abdomen helps get the pelvis in the correct position to not use strength in the hand which is twisted and held down with alot of resistance. The resistance helps to generate powerful hips and body.”   

 

  • Morotedori kokyu ho (ura)

In the below video Saito Sensei demonstrates how Morotedori kokyu ho is applied if the nage commences the exercise with a tenkan movement.

 

  • An alternate approach

In the following video, Takashi Kuroki Sensei of Nishio Aikido gives instruction on an alternate approach to Morotedori kokyu ho.  This approach is also practiced at our dojo.

 

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo