protectivearts

KIAI

Kiai (気合) I have mused openly in the past about the disappearance of the kiai from Aikido. O’Sensei was reported to have a very powerful kiai that could be heard from miles away. Traditional arts continue to employ kiai, so why the downplay in Aikido? O Sensei kiai and kotodama video Kiai is ‘simply aContinue reading “KIAI”

KATADORI MENUCHI

Kata dori menuchi must start with a proper grab >review< to set the logic of the encounter. Uke initiates the action by grabbing the nage’s lead shoulder (because it is closest) and performs an overhead strike (shomen uchi) with the back hand. Although nage’s shoulder is grasped, the arm remains free to move. Watch Yamada senseiContinue reading “KATADORI MENUCHI”

SHIHONAGE

The opening move of san no tachi begins with both players connecting their ken near the kissaki. Keeping the connection flat to flat, the initial move is to snappily turn uke’s blade off-line and cut the thumb while simultaneously sliding to the flank. Nage’s right hand started vertical (seigan no kamai) and now has turned nailsContinue reading “SHIHONAGE”