Techniques

In Aikido techniques, the attacker is known as uke -the one defending is known as nage.

Ukemi (falling)

Falls are one of the most difficult and most rewarding parts of Aikido. Children and babies fall and get up. As adults, we must relearn to fall. After training for a while, it becomes second nature, and Aikidoists become more flexible.

Locks

IMMOBILIZATIONS: Aikido uses five basic immobilizations to defend against uke. Ikkiyo: Ikkiyo is an arm pin in which uke’s arm is led in a smooth arc with palm and elbow turned upward -- the elbow is from half to fully extended. The arm may be turned at shoulder height or higher. Upon attack, nage guides ukes arm toward his own face and his elbow into place. It’s important not to force - let the energy flow from the attack. Nikkyo: Also known as “wrist in turn”, nikkyo is effective against even large opponents. A simple turn of the wrist in one direction while the forearm and elbow are bent at approximately 90 degrees, nikkyo can be done against your shoulder, with your hand alone, or around your wrists. Sankyo: Sankyo uses the arm of uke for immobilization. Uke’s arm is bent with bicep almost parallel to the floor at about shoulder height and forearm toward the floor. Nage twists uke’s arm toward the face with palm down - how far depends on the flexibility and nerves of uke. Yonkyo: Not one of our favorites, yonkyo is a painful application of pressure to the nerve center of the inside of uke’s wrists or ankles -- will bring you down in a hurry -- OUCH, may be an understatement. Gokyo: Similar to Ikkiyo, an advanced immobilization applicable to neutralization of an armed circular blow. Return to top.

Throws

Throws, or projections, grow from immobilizations. As students master immobilizations, they must learn to throw, or project, other students, then learn ukemi, or how to fall from the projections. Each technique builds upon the others. IRIMINAGE: Extension and motion flow in a large circle to spin uke around and bring her down to the mat. Irimi is a slight, half-step forward that allows you to kneel alongside your uke and pin her to the mat. KOTAGAESHI: Also called the “wrist turn-out,” kote gaeshi is considered both an immobilization and a projection. Uke is, in the end, brought down to the mat, in any case. The technique may be done kneeling or standing, static or moving. KOKYU NAGE: Kokyu nage is known as the “20 year technique” - that is - it takes 20 years to become proficient at it. It is one of the most complicated-looking throws, and when you watch a proficient practitioner do it, it looks like it would take 20 years to do it well. However, it is a practical technique, in that it is related to motion and redirection. SHIHONAGE: Also known as “the four-corner throw,” shihonage, is also known as immobilization number 6. It can be done by grabbing either one or both of uke’s wrists. The technique is performed with a smooth, circular motion, directed from the Center. KAITENAGE: “The rotary throw” is employed to neutralize a variety of basic attacks. The body of uke is bent forward and low - nage throws him away and is prepared for other oncoming attacks. TENKAN: Stepping behind uke, you pivot on the same foot and bring the other foot around, then lead and guide your uke’s other hand in a descending spiral to the mat and secure his hand as in irimi. Return to top.

Pins

Pins are another part of training. Used in immobilizations, there are many types of pins including arms, shoulders, hands, fingers, legs, head, others. They are quite practical and some are very easy to learn.

Weapons

Jo: A long staff used much as farmers may have used Bokken: Sword - weapon of the samurai class. Tanto: Short knife. Return to top.

Ki

Ki is the energy we draw on for training. The Chinese call it Chi or Qi. The “spirit shout” often used in martial arts is called “Kiai” and some martial artists have developed it to the point of great skill. It can help draw energy for practice or combat.

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