shiho nage

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: Hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage

Hanmi handachi waza (sometimes called Zagi handachi waza) is a common form of Aikido practice whereby the nage is in a kneeling position and the uke attacks while standing. In this type of training the uke has the advantage of both mobility and height. The nage, however, has the advantage of a lower centre of gravity and a triangular base.

Training in Hanmi handachi waza is particularly beneficial as it develops skills in taking a uke‘s balance with only minimal lower body movement. The training also assists in understanding the importance of centre and use of the centre line in Aikido practice.

In the below video, seniors from our dojo demonstrate how we typically practice the Aikido technique Hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage. This technique is from the broader Aikido syllabus and is demonstrated both a static attack and where the attack is under motion. The static version that we practice is inspired by O’sensei‘s manual “Budo Renshu“.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Alternate single handed version

In the below video, Master Morihei Useshiba (O’sensei) demonstrates Hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage from a single grab. Particularly notable in this version is the use of atemi (striking) by the nage.

Other forms of hanmi handachi katate dori shiho nage

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

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

Training notes: Jo nage kotegaeshi

In the below video Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei (Aikido Yuishinkai) demonstrates and provides instruction for the Aikido technique kotegaeshi (outer wrist turn) where the nage is armed with a wooden staff (a 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.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Demonstration by Master Morihei Ueshiba

In the below video, the Founder of Aikido, Master Morihei Ueshiba (O’sensei), performs jo nage kotegaeshi in free form practice (taninzugake). The recording was made in 1952. O’sensei was 69 years old.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
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

Related posts: