RANGES OF COMBAT

For all its elegance, Aikido is not a Ryū -流, – a complete art. Its formal curriculum lacks a full set of techniques at every range – maai “interval.” This is a simple observation, a discussion of fact, not a normative evaluation of its merits. Like most traditional martial arts we are discussing contact range – closeContinue reading “RANGES OF COMBAT”

KATA DORI

A new month so moving to a new focus: a front shoulder grab – kata dori. First the context. A shoulder grab while wearing a dogi (or Edo-period clothing) can be an effective control. Starting with the little finger one quickly wraps his grip in the fabric of the shoulder or upper sleeve to effectively pin the opponent’s arm orContinue reading “KATA DORI”

SINAWALI in AIKIDO

This morning was a focus on the basic sinawali pattern at first merely to learn the drill. There are numerous online references to help remind you of the basic pattern. YouTube is an amazing resource if you can discern the true from the false. Techniques and tricks that once were only taught in person and at seminars thatContinue reading “SINAWALI in AIKIDO”