aikido - KARATE

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OUR DOJO AIKIDO
合気道
The word "aikido" is formed of three kanji:
 合 - ai - joining, unifying, combining, fit
 気 - ki - spirit, energy, mood, morale
 道 - dō - way, path
The term 'aiki' does not readily appear in the Japanese language outside the scope of Budo. This has led to many
possible interpretations of the word. 合 is mainly used in compounds to mean 'combine, unite, join together,
meet' examples being 合同(combined/united) 合成(composition) 結合(unite/combine/join together)
連合(union/alliance/association) 統合(combine/unify) 合意(mutual agreement). As well as an idea of
reciprocity, 知り合う(to
get
to
know
one
another) 話し合い(talk/discussion/negotiation)
待ち合わせる(meet by appointment).
気 is often used as a feeling as in 気がする('I feel', as in terms of thinking but with less cognitive reasoning)
気持ち(feeling/sensation) 気分(mood/morale). Also Energy or force. 電気(electricity) 磁気 (magnetism).
The term dō connects the practice of aikido with the philosophical concept of Tao, which can be found in martial
arts such as judo and kendo, and in the more peaceful arts such as Japanese calligraphy (shodō), flower arranging
(kadō) and tea ceremony (chadō or sadō).
Therefore from a purely linguistic point of view, we could say Aikido is 'Way of combining forces'. The term aiki
refers to the martial arts principle or tactic of blending with an attacker's movements for the purpose of
controlling their actions with minimal effort.[5] One applies aiki by understanding the rhythm and intent of the
attacker to find the optimal position and timing to apply a counter-technique. This then is very similar to the
principles expressed by Kano Jigoro, when he founded Judo.
History
Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba (植芝 盛平 Ueshiba Morihei, 14 December 1883–26 April 1969),
referred to by some aikido practitioners as Ōsensei ("Great Teacher").[6] Ueshiba envisioned aikido not only as the
synthesis of his martial training, but also an expression of his personal philosophy of universal peace and
reconciliation. During Ueshiba's lifetime and continuing today, aikido has evolved from the koryū (old-style
martial arts) that Ueshiba studied into a wide variety of expressions by martial artists throughout the world.[3]
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Tori principles
1. Always start with taisabaki, an evasive movement! It is not aikido if not started by avoiding the
oncoming attack - even if the attack is a mild or slow one.
2. Blocking the attack should not be necessary. To block the oncoming force is not really aikido, which
should avoid confrontation. Sometimes blocking is practical, but if it is necessary, then the technique
needs modification.
3. Techniques should function to execute. An aikido technique should be possible to perform, and to do it
in a way that avoids as well as controls the attacker.
4. Similar solution for gotai, from static, and jutai, in movement. If a basic technique that works in
movement needs to be significantly changed when done from a static start, it should be modified.
5. Basic training should be done with low postures. The balance and control of low stances is essential to
have as standard for basic techniques.
6. Forces should be united (aiki). In aikido techniques the forces of the attacker and the defender should be
joined, and not work against each other.
7. The need for atemi, strike, should be limited. The aikido techniques should be possible to do with few
or no atemi, which otherwise tends to be 'an easy way out'.
8. Tori’s starting position should be such that uke’s attack is reasonable. The target that uke is supposed
to aim for, must be easily reached - not hidden or blocked or otherways awkward for uke.
9. Tori’s starting position should not be such that only one aikido technique is appropriate. It is no
good if tori is positioned ideally for one aikido technique, but awkwardly for other techniques. Tori should
stand able to do many different techniques.
10. Tori should control the situation all through the technique. From the start to the finish, whether it is a
pinning or a throw, tori should be in charge and remain aware.
11. The fundamentals (such as center, ki, posture, etc.) should be stressed in training the basic
techniques. The techniques are mere expressions of the fundamentals, and do not work well without
them.
Ukemi (Breakfalls)
Students first learn how to fall, and must master the fall exercises before moving on to the throws lists.[1]

o
o
o

Mae Ukemi (forward fall); Ushiro Ukemi (backward fall); Yoko Ukemi (side fall),
See video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kPmpJWOZpM
See video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kPmpJWOZpM&list=PLB4BEB6F48971F641&index=3
See video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxkOHw0PKjk&list=PLB4BEB6F48971F641&index=7
Advance Ukemi Practice see video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMpBpM38TMg
Basic techniques
No aikido technique should involve pain or the threat of harm, when it is developed to its proper form. The
following are a sample of the basic or widely practiced throws and pins. Aikido Techniques Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugsS2_Z0wpA&list=TLnG3GPzzyJ1Gf2v2gTsA604paQ5aMvklC

Ikkyō (一教) a control using one hand on the elbow and one hand near the wrist which leverages uke to
the ground.[20] This grip also applies pressure into the ulnar nerve at the wrist. See video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrASNrLi7uI#t=208

Sankyō (三教) a rotational wristlock that directs upward-spiraling tension throughout the arm, elbow and
shoulder. It contains a wrist twist that can be quite painful, if done with too much force. For regular
training in the dojo, it is important not to overdo the sankyo, or members of the dojo will soon get their
wrists damaged. To improve your sankyo, work on how you control the whole of uke's body, instead of
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just twisting uke's wrist to induce pain. Uke's hand should be at a 90° angle to the lower arm in the sankyo
wrist twist, as well as in the pinning at the end - whether it is done standing up or seated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhqHPeH2hBI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEyt9NwB39o

Kotegaeshi, Forearm return (小手返し) a supinating wristlock-throw that stretches the extensor
digitorum. the trick is not in the wrist twist, but in the rhythm. The movement leading up to the actual
wrist twist should be a wave, which sort of automatically leads to uke's fall. Uke is kind of sucked into the
technique. See video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB01hhonf8Q

Shihōnage, Four-direction throw (四方投げ?) The hand is folded back past the shoulder, locking the
shoulder joint. See video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqWs0kggyMs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9PTMSwr1h0

Iriminage, Entering throw (入身投げ) throws in which nage moves through the space occupied by uke.
The
classic
form
superficially
resembles
a
"clothesline"
technique.
See
video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rwmipYrUhM

Tenchinage, Heaven-and-earth throw (天地投げ) beginning with ryōte-dori; moving forward, nage
sweeps one hand low ("earth") and the other high ("heaven"), which unbalances uke so that he or she
easily topples over. See video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3X3XE6M2_A

Tantodori (defense against knife), See video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyJT8v6gqSo#t=71

Tachidori (defense against sword), See video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn6p4EXQmkg#t=27
References: www.stenudd.com (text, video, photos)
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