Uchi komi is an exercise whereby a clear opportunity to attack is presented to allow for repetitive and correct training to recognize an opening and to strike. In Aikiken, the basic uchi komi exercise opens with both uchidachi and shidachi in seigan no kamai. Uchidachi then lowers to gendan to invite shomen and when shidachiContinue reading “UCHI KOMI”
Category Archives: Class Notes
(RE)FRAMING AIKIDO
Imitation may be the highest form of flattery but it is also a great way to learn. The monkey-see, monkey-do teaching combined with an interpretive gloss is how most of us are taught. Add physical manipulation and now you have a training method. In the Western tradition, the burden is on the teacher, even when done Socratically,Continue reading “(RE)FRAMING AIKIDO”
CHUDAN TSUKI
Tsuki (‘thrust’) in Aikido should replicate a knife thrust. We have focused on the high-line (jodan) first because it was a pedagogical thread from kata-dori, but also because a thrust to the face elicits a strong ‘flinch’ response. It is harder to maintain ‘zanshin‘ when pressed with a high-line attack. This morning we moved downContinue reading “CHUDAN TSUKI”
Protective Arts 