O’Sensei

Training notes – Katadori ikkyo (ura)

We have a number of 5th Kyu (yellow belt) gradings to look forward to in the next few weeks. With this in mind, I thought it might be helpful to put up some video training notes on one of the sometimes more challenging techniques in the 5th Kyu Aikido Yuishinkai syllabus – katadori ikkyo (ura).

The technique is performed in the context of a grabbing attack to the shoulder (katadori). While it is possible to end the technique with a projection, it is generally finished with a pin.

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, provides instruction on the basic levels (kotai and juntai) of katadori ikkyo (ura). These are the levels which are tested in a 5th Kyu grading in our school.

The video was recorded at a seminar in 2008 held at Aikido School of Excellence, Tasmania.

Have a great weekend

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

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Katadori ikkyo (omote)

Playing with koshi nage – A bokken and jo perspective

Although part of the broader Aikido syllabus, one of our favourite techniques to practice at the dojo is koshi nage (hip throw). In fact, there would rarely be a class where this technique does not appear in some form.

Like many Aikido techniques, the origins of koshi nage trace back to the battlefield. With this in mind, we recently resolved to study the technique in the context of paired weapons practice, specifically bokken (wooden sword) vs bokken and jo (staff) vs bokken. Below is a video recording of our first efforts in this regard.

The informally recorded demonstrations are intentionally experimental and involve subtle differences in terms of hand placement on the weapon, form of ukemi, method of moving off-line, atemi, feet position and balance breaking. All in all a very useful and informative learning exercise.

As a qualifier when viewing the video, please note that our dojo is not a sword or jo school and we are not about learning to “fight” with these weapons. For us, the purpose of paired weapons practice is to magnify errors in our Aikido technique and to give us the opportunity to apply Aikido principles in different situations.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

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Ukemi – koshi nage

Training notes – Ushiro ryotedori ikkyo (2) – Ki no nagare

In the below video, Christian Tissier Shihan (8th Dan Aikikai) demonstrates the omote and ura versions of the Aikido technique ushiro ryotedori ikkyo.

The demonstrations are completed in a dynamic free flowing form whereby the uke commences the attack by proceeding to the front of the nage, grabbing the nage’s wrist and then moving to the rear (with a view to also grabbing the nage’s second wrist).

This form of practice is referred to in some schools as ki no nagare. In ki aikido schools it is sometimes referred to as ryutai.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Movement and Sword principles

In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei (6th Dan Aki Aiki kai) explores the sword principles that underpin the higher level practice of ushiro techniques. The exploration is particularly applicable to ikkyo applications.

Our dojo is part of the Aikido Kenkyukai Fodoshin Dojos (Australia). Chicko Sensei is the Shihan for our school.

Balance breaking principles – Kuzushi

In the below video produced by Senshin Center Aikido Dojo, balance breaking principles applicable to ushiro attacks are explored. Kuzushi is unfortunately something that is sometimes overlooked in Aikido. The fact remains, however, that it is near impossible to throw a centred uke unless they are either cooperating or overpowered by a significantly larger nage.

Alternate application (1) – Chicko Xerri Sensei – AKI Fudoshin Aikido

In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei explores an alternate option for addressing a ushiro attack whereby the uke is not permitted to move to the rear of the nage. Chicko sensei emphasises the important aiki principle of creating a space to move before attempting an aikido application.

Alternate application (2) – Chicko Xerri Sensei – AKI Fudoshin Aikido

In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei explores a further option for addressing ushiro attacks. The option readiy sets up the circumstances for an ikkyo application.

Ki Aikido

In the below video, Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei provides instruction on Ushiro tekubidori ikkyo as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai. The method of application is typical of the approach taken by ki aikido schools.

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Aikido’s first pillar – Shiho nage

“The first of the six pillars of Aikido techniques is shiho nage. This technique represents the gratitude Aikido trainees feel toward life in all four directions and is commonly the first technique learned (but not easily mastered) by students.”
(Master Morihei Ueshiba/John Stevens, The Essence of Aikido, p 115)

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

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Munetsuki irimi nage – Learning from O’Sensei

See below a short video taken at the dojo where we explored munetsuki irimi nage as illustrated in O’Sensei‘s 1938 text “Budo“.

Although difficult to see in the below photo demonstrations featuring O’Sensei, a key technical aspect of the technique is the placement of the nage’s hand on the upper part of the uke’s shoulder. As the technique is executed, this hand eventually ends up immediately below the nage’s armpit. Relaxed and centred execution of the technique is essential to avoid any clash and achieve the necessary off-balancing of the uke.

For the uke, receiving the technique feels a bit like hitting a “wall of feathers”. As you would have noticed in the video, we also played with adding extra atemi. It makes receiving the ukemi a bit more challenging in terms of uke sensitivity but is well worth the experiment.

Big thanks to dojo senior Peter Marendy for joining me in the demo and to Eden for filming it.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Munetsuki irimi nage – A deeper look

In the below videos Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on the traditional version of munetsuki irimi nage as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life. Notably the method of execution is the same as that outlined in the “Budo” text.

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 been lost.

All the best

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo