Peter Kelly Sensei

Training notes – Munetsuki shiho nage

Shiho nage (4 directions throw) is considered to be one of the most important pillar techniques in Aikido training. The name of the technique stems from the fact that a skilled nage can throw the uke in any of 4 directions.

In the below video Peter Kelly Sensei, Chief Instructor – Aikido Yuishinkai Australia, demonstrates and provides instruction on the application of shiho nage to address a strike to the torso (munetsuki shiho nage).

Peter Sensei focuses on the initial entry for the technique which in essence utilises sword based movements and associated body structure to completely take the uke’s balance (kuzushi) at the point of first contact. When done correctly the effect on the uke is that any attempt to resist the technique only serves to hasten their loss of balance.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Bokken exercise – Mawashi uchi

The practice of bokken (wooden sword) arts is an integral part of Aikido training in Aikido Yuishinkai. Amongst other things, solo and paired bokken practice plays an important role in helping develop key skills for unarmed arts. These skills include foot work, distance, timing, centred movement, correct posture and striking.

At our dojo we take an integrated approach to the role of the bokken in our studies. For example, when we practice unarmed arts we look at the inherent bokken movements contained within the particular technique. Conversely, when practising with the bokken, this is always done with a focus on the skill groups we are trying to develop to aid our unarmed practice. The benefit of taking this approach is that it continually gives our training context.

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder, Aikido Yuishinkai provides instruction on the fundamental foot work and cutting movements for the bokken exercise mawashi uchi. Also included in the video is a demonstration by Peter Kelly Sensei (Chief Instructor Australia) and Alistair Williams Sensei of the paired practice application of the exercise.

Have a great weekend

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training Notes: Jo nage kokyu nage

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama demonstrates and provides instruction for the Aikido technique kokyu nage where the nage is armed with a wooden staff (a jo). This type of training is referred to as jo nage.

For instruction purposes, Maruyama Sensei demonstrates the key components of the technique from a static position. To illustrate how the technique looks from a dynamic perspective, archive footage of O’sensei (circa 1950’s) is also included. The uke in the footage is a very young Morihiro Saito Shihan.

Technical notes

Don’t merge the foot work into one move

In the video Maruyama Sensei demonstrates the foot work in 3 separate segments – (1) enter with leading foot; (2) tenkan; and (3) moon-shadow the lead foot forward to enter into the uke’s space. These 3 segments are performed as separate movements and should not be merged. Further, the final projection is not executed by the nage until all 3 segments of the footwork are completed. The key parts of the technique (including footwork) are illustrated below.

(1) Initial position (2) Step in (3) Tenkan (4) Moon-shadow

(4) Complete technique

Don’t pitch back to “bow and arrow/sling-shot” the projection

There is a tendency when performing tenkan kokyu nage based projections for the nage to pitch back their upper torso after the tenkan movement, or to slide their rear foot an extra distance back. This is done in an effort to put extra power in the move and “sling shot” the uke.

This should be avoided. All it does is separate connection and give the uke an opportunity to counter attack. For further discussion of this point, including the correct way to enter and tenkan in kokyu nage techniques see Training Notes: Munetsuki kokyu nage (ura).

Use centre point of jo

Maruyama Sensei particularly emphasises in the video the importance of focusing on the centre point of the jo as measured between the distance of the uke‘s hands. It is only by focussing movement of the jo at this point that the nage is able to not only retain control of the jo, but also move the uke’s centre so that the conditions for a successful throw are possible.

All the best for 2016.

Ian Grant
Do Jo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Moments in breakfall

Ukemi (the art of receiving technique) is something we take very seriously at the dojo. It is not only a critical skill to ensure our safety, but also plays an important role in developing fundamental skills associated with balance, using relaxed power, correct body movement and flexibility. Further, it is impossible to learn how to execute a technique unless you have someone willing to receive it.

In every class, there is always a segment dedicated to learning and improving our abilities to receive technique.

In the below video, which was taken at various classes during the year, dojo seniors can be seen using Aikido breakfalls to safely receive technique. Breakfalls are one of a number of ukemi options that are available to Aikido practitioners when receiving a throw. Another commonly used option, depending on the circumstances, is rolling away.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior

Aikido hip throws for rear chokes – Ushiro kubishime koshi nage

Ushiro kubishime koshi nage is a traditional Aikido technique which uses a hip throw (koshi nage) as a defence against a choke attack from the rear (ushiro kubishime).

Aikido hip throws have their origins in a battlefield techniques and not all Aikido schools and dojos train in them. At Aikido Warrior Dojo, they are a standard inclusion in our training and form part of our commitment to study the Aikido of O’sensei.

They were first introduced into our dojo in early 2014 after permission was granted by Peter Kelly Sensei, Chief Instructor, Aikido Yuishinkai Australia for us to train in them. Since that time we have slowly included a wide range of koshi nage techniques into our standard training repertoire, including ushiro kubishime koshi nage

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on Ushiro kubishime koshi nage as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the post-war period of his life.

Training notes for other koshi nage techniques

See: Unarmed arts by technique – scroll down to “koshi nage” (list is in alphabetical order )

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