shomenuchi

Budo (1938) – Tanto dori shomenuchi gokyo

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 at Aikido Warrior Dojo.

The below video features photographic demonstrations of tanto tori shomenuchi gokyo as they appear in “Budo“. Also included is a demonstration of the technique by Morihiro Saito Sensei who was a direct student of the Founder for more than 20 years.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

More detailed explanation

In the below video, Sensei Andy Hathaway of the London Aikido Club gives a more detailed explanation of the traditional form for tanto tori shomenuchi gokyo. Of note, the term “rokkyo” is labelled on the video – this may be a mistake or merely a different descriptor used by the School. Regardless of the label, the instruction appears to be quite similar to the “Budo” version of tanto tori shomenuchi gokyo.

Contemporary version of shomenuchi gokyo

In the below video clip, Mike Jones Sensei from NY Aiki kai demonstrates a contemporary version of tanto tori shomenuchi gokyo. Also included in the demonstration is instruction on how to take the knife from the uke following the pin.

Alternate standing pin and disarm

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Parrying – Shomen strikes

For those interested in Aikido as a method of self-defence, an important aspect of Aikido training is the practice of methods for parrying and deflecting attacks.

In the below video produced by the TenShin Aikido Federation, instruction is given on how to effectively deflect a shomenuchi (downward temple strike) using what is sometimes referred to in Aikido as a suriage movement. This method of deflection is particularly effective in addressing a shomen strike and when done correctly readily sets up a variety of Aikido applications.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Suriage movement – Kaiten nage application

In the below video taken at a class at our dojo, suriage is used to set up a kaiten nage (or wheel throw).

Acknowledgement of Tenshin Aikido

Aikido Warrior Dojo would like to acknowledge and extend its appreciation to TenShin Aikido Federation for making the featured video. In 2003, Renshi Santos Shihan founded the TenShin Aikido Federation (TAF) in honor of O’Sensei and those who introduced TenShin Aikido into his life, including Steven Seagal Shihan. For some excellent videos on Tenshin Aikido check out their “Rogue Warrior” channel on You tube.

Budo (1938): Tachi dori shomen giri kotegaeshi

“Budo” is an important reference point for our practice at Aikido Warrior Dojo. The techniques and principles referred to therein are regularly practised.

Interestingly, the Founder only included 3 tachi dori techniques in his 2nd text. One of these was tachi dori showmen giri kotegaeshi.

The below video features a photographic demonstration tachi dori shomen giri kotegaeshi as it appears in “Budo”. Also included are demonstrations of the technique by Morihiro Saito Sensei who was a direct student of the Founder for more than 20 years.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

O’sensei’s explanation of tachi dori shomen giri kotegaeshi (1938)

In O’sensei’s manual “Budo” (1938), there is substantive instruction given for tachi dori shomen giri kotegaeshi. In edited form, it reads as follows:

“As soon as your opponent cuts, move with the speed of the gods and enter deeply to the right with irimi tankan. Strike your opponents right wrist with your left te-gatana (hand sword), remain aware of possible attackers to the rear and strike your opponent’s face with your right fist…

Apply …kotegaeshi .. and down your opponent. In this case it is necessary to control his hand and sword with the little and ring fingers of your right hand. Next turn your opponent round to the left, pin him face down, take the sword and hold it to his neck”

Hand position for take down and wrist pin

The traditional hand position on the bokken for the takedown to the mat and wrist pin is shown in the pictures below. Note the hilt of the bokken is grabbed with the nage’s right little finger and ring finger. The nage’s left thumb is at the base of the uke’s right ring finger.

Atemi

At the completion of the irimi tenkan movement there is the option of atemi in the form of striking the uke’s face with your right hand.

Practice of atemi in this way is a most useful practice tool to assist in learning the correct positioning for the technique.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Tachi dori shomen giri kokyu nage

In the below video Peter Brady Sensei ((7th Dan Aikikai) demonstrates and provides instruction for the Aikido technique – kokyu nage (breath throw). The technique is demonstrated as a response to a downward strike to the head (shomenuchi) where the uke is armed with a wooden sword (bokken).

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Hand position on hilt of the bokken

The elbow debate

There are contrasting views on whether the nage should place their right elbow under the left elbow of the uke and apply pressure to the uke‘s elbow to take their balance (before attempting to project the uke). This approach can be seen in the picture to left.

The diverging opinions appear to be based on philosophical and stylistic differences, including differing perspectives on the role of kuzushi and uke compliance in Aikido practice. That being said, there is no doubt this applied kokyu ho approach is a martially effective option and was practised by O’sensei in the post war period of his training.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Shomenuchi irimi nage

Irimi nage (or entering throw) is a technique that is unique to Aikido. Typically it is initially taught as a response to an overhead strike to the temple (shomenuchi). However, it can be applied against most attack types, including those where the uke is armed with a weapon.

In the below videos Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on the traditional version of shomenuchi irimi nage as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life.

The traditional version of irimi nage is a training favourite at our dojo and there would rarely be a training week where some aspect of it is not studied.

Basic application (nage initiates)

Intermediate applications (nage initiates – uke turns to continue attack)

Advanced applications (uke initiates)

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Alternate application (1) – Andy Sato Sensei

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.

Have a great weekend

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo