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”
Tag Archives: yokomen
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”
AT CLOSE RANGE: Shomen and Yokomen
First warm up with a new pattern – shomen practice with a step-cut, slide-cut, step-cut to get out of fixed patterns; disrupt habits and the facile assumptions. Then yokomen with the same step-cut, slide-cut, step-cut. The tempo is quick beat cut, cut – you are advancing through space – your first cut misses and yourContinue reading “AT CLOSE RANGE: Shomen and Yokomen”
Protective Arts 