Aikido techniques
Encyclopedia
Aikido techniques are frequently referred to as waza 技 . Aikido
training is based primarily on two partners practicing pre-arranged forms (kata
) rather than freestyle practice
. The basic pattern is for the receiver of the technique (uke) to initiate an attack against the person who applies the technique—the 取り tori
, or shite , (depending on aikido style) also referred to as ( nage (when applying a throwing technique), who neutralises this attack with an aikido technique.
Both halves of the technique, that of uke and that of tori, are considered essential to aikido training. Both are studying aikido principles of blending and adaptation. Tori learns to blend with and control attacking energy, while uke learns to become calm and flexible in the disadvantageous, off-balance positions in which tori places him. This "receiving" of the technique is called ukemi. Uke continuously seeks to regain balance and cover vulnerabilities (e.g., an exposed side), while tori uses position and timing to keep uke off-balance
and vulnerable. In more advanced training, uke may apply to regain balance and pin or throw tori.
refers to the act of receiving a technique. Good ukemi involves attention to the technique, the partner and the immediate environment - it is an active rather than a passive "receiving" of Aikido. The fall itself is part of Aikido, and is a way for the practitioner to receive, safely, what would otherwise be a devastating strike or throw and return to a standing position in one fluid movement. The person throwing must take into account the ukemi ability of his partner, as well as the physical space: walls, weapons (wooden tantō
, bokken
, jō
) on the tatami
, and the aikido practitioners nearby.
Uke must attack with a strength and speed appropriate to the aikido skill level of the tori; in the case of beginner women and children, this means an attack of far less severity than would be encountered in a real-life self-defense situation.
must agree with the direction and strength with which his wrists are held by uke.
-based arts such as karate
or taekwondo
, "honest" or "sincere" attacks (a strong strike or an immobilizing grab) are needed to study correct and effective application of technique.
Many of the of aikido are often said to resemble cuts from a sword
or other grasped object, which indicates its origins in techniques intended for armed
combat. Other techniques, which appear to explicitly be punches (tsuki
), are also practiced as thrusts with a knife
or sword. Kick
s are generally reserved for upper-level variations; reasons cited include that falls from kicks are especially dangerous, and that kicks (high kicks in particular) were uncommon during the types of combat prevalent in feudal Japan. Some basic strikes include: a vertical knifehand strike to the head. In training, this is usually directed at the forehead or the crown
for safety, but more dangerous versions of this attack target the bridge of the nose and the maxillary sinus
. a diagonal knifehand strike to the side of the head or neck. a punch
to the torso
. Specific targets include the chest
, abdomen
, and solar plexus. Same as , and . a punch to the face
. Same as . Being attacked with a sword
or bokken
, usually reserved for upper level practitioners. Being attacked with a tantō
, usually a wooden one. Being attacked with a jō
. Being attack by any wooden staff is called bōtori(棒取り) or tsuetori(杖取り)
Beginners in particular often practice techniques from grabs, both because they are safer and because it is easier to feel the energy
and lines of force of a hold than a strike. Some grabs are historically
derived from being held while trying to draw
a weapon
; a technique could then be used to free oneself and immobilize or strike the attacker who is grabbing the defender. one hand grabs one wrist. both hands grab one wrist. Same as both hands grab both wrists. Same as . a shoulder grab. "Both-shoulders-grab" is . It is sometimes combined with an overhead strike as . grabbing the (clothing of the) chest. Same as .
When all attacks are considered, aikido has over 10,000 nameable techniques. Many aikido techniques derive from Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, but some others were invented by Morihei Ueshiba
. The precise terminology for some may vary between organisations and styles; what follows are the terms used by the Aikikai
Foundation. (Note that despite the names of the first five techniques listed, they are not universally taught in numeric order.) Several techniques (e.g. the "drop" throws) are also shared with judo
, which can be considered a "cousin" of aikido due to their shared jujutsu
background. a control using one hand on the elbow and one hand near the wrist which lever
ages uke to the ground. This grip also applies pressure into the ulnar nerve
at the wrist. a pronating wristlock that torques the arm and applies painful nerve pressure. (There is an adductive wristlock or Z-lock in ura version.) a rotational wristlock that directs upward-spiraling tension throughout the arm, elbow and shoulder. a shoulder control similar to ikkyō, but with both hands gripping the forearm. The knuckles (from the palm side) are applied to the recipient's radial nerve
against the periosteum
of the forearm bone. visually similar to ikkyō, but with an inverted grip of the wrist, medial rotation of the arm and shoulder, and downward pressure on the elbow. Common in knife
and other weapon take-aways. also called an elbow lock generally used for knife thrusts or straight punches. The hand is folded back past the shoulder, locking the shoulder joint. a supinating wristlock-throw that stretches the extensor digitorum. a loosely used term for various types of mechanically unrelated techniques, although they generally do not use joint locks like other techniques.
Different types of kokyūnage include:
school retains these Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu terms for the "first" through "fourth" techniques:
Aikido makes use of body movement (tai sabaki
) to blend with uke. For example, an "entering" (irimi
) technique consists of movements inward towards uke, while a technique uses a pivoting motion.
Additionally, an technique takes place in front of uke, whereas an technique takes place to his side; a technique is applied with motion to the front of uke, and a version is applied with motion towards the rear of uke, usually by incorporating a turning or pivoting motion. Finally, most techniques can be performed while in a seated posture (seiza
). Techniques where both uke and nage are sitting are called suwari-waza, and techniques performed with uke standing and nage sitting are called hanmi handachi.
Thus, from fewer than twenty basic techniques, there are thousands of possible implementations. For instance, ikkyō can be applied to an opponent moving forward with a strike (perhaps with an ura type of movement to redirect the incoming force), or to an opponent who has already struck and is now moving back to reestablish distance (perhaps an omote-waza version). Specific aikido kata are typically referred to with the formula "attack-technique(-modifier)". For instance, katate-dori ikkyō refers to any ikkyō technique executed when uke is holding one wrist. This could be further specified as katate-dori ikkyō omote, referring to any forward-moving ikkyō technique from that grab.
Atemi
are strikes (or feint
s) employed during an aikido technique. Some view atemi as attacks against "vital points
" meant to cause damage in and of themselves. For instance, Gōzō Shioda
described using atemi in a brawl to quickly down a gang's leader. Others consider atemi, especially to the face, to be methods of distraction meant to enable other techniques. A strike, whether or not it is blocked, can startle the target and break his or her concentration. The target may also become unbalanced in attempting to avoid the blow, for example by jerking the head back, which may allow for an easier throw.
Many sayings about atemi are attributed to Morihei Ueshiba
, who considered them an essential element of technique.
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
training is based primarily on two partners practicing pre-arranged forms (kata
Kata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
) rather than freestyle practice
Randori
is a term used in Japanese martial arts to describe free-style practice. The term literally means "chaos taking" or "grasping freedom," implying a freedom from the structured practice of kata. Randori may be contrasted with kata, as two potentially complementary types of training.The exact meaning...
. The basic pattern is for the receiver of the technique (uke) to initiate an attack against the person who applies the technique—the 取り tori
Tori (martial arts)
is a term used in Japanese martial arts to refer to the executor of a technique in partnered practice. The term "tori" comes from the verb , meaning "to take", "to pick up", or "to choose"....
, or shite , (depending on aikido style) also referred to as ( nage (when applying a throwing technique), who neutralises this attack with an aikido technique.
Both halves of the technique, that of uke and that of tori, are considered essential to aikido training. Both are studying aikido principles of blending and adaptation. Tori learns to blend with and control attacking energy, while uke learns to become calm and flexible in the disadvantageous, off-balance positions in which tori places him. This "receiving" of the technique is called ukemi. Uke continuously seeks to regain balance and cover vulnerabilities (e.g., an exposed side), while tori uses position and timing to keep uke off-balance
Kuzushi
is a Japanese term for unbalancing an opponent in the martial arts.The noun comes from the intransitive verb, kuzusu, meaning to level, pull down, or demolish...
and vulnerable. In more advanced training, uke may apply to regain balance and pin or throw tori.
refers to the act of receiving a technique. Good ukemi involves attention to the technique, the partner and the immediate environment - it is an active rather than a passive "receiving" of Aikido. The fall itself is part of Aikido, and is a way for the practitioner to receive, safely, what would otherwise be a devastating strike or throw and return to a standing position in one fluid movement. The person throwing must take into account the ukemi ability of his partner, as well as the physical space: walls, weapons (wooden tantō
Tanto
A is one of the traditional Japanese swords that were worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The tantō dates to the Heian period, when it was mainly used as a weapon but evolved in design over the years to become more ornate...
, bokken
Bokken
A bokken , "wood", and ken, "sword") , is a Japanese wooden sword used for training. It is usually the size and shape of a katana, but is sometimes shaped like other swords, such as the wakizashi and tantō...
, jō
Jo
JO, Jo or jo may refer to:*Jō, a ~4-foot-long wooden staff used in some Japanese martial arts*Cho , , also spelled Jo, a common Korean family name*Jo , a 1971 French comedy...
) on the tatami
Tatami
A is a type of mat used as a flooring material in traditional Japanese-style rooms. Traditionally made of rice straw to form the core , with a covering of woven soft rush straw, tatami are made in standard sizes, with the length exactly twice the width...
, and the aikido practitioners nearby.
Uke must attack with a strength and speed appropriate to the aikido skill level of the tori; in the case of beginner women and children, this means an attack of far less severity than would be encountered in a real-life self-defense situation.
Training techniques
/ teaches movement from the hip rather than relying on muscle strength of the arms trains students to enter with both arms forward in the tegatana (手刀) position. altering the direction of an incoming attack / / breathing is important in the execution of all aikido techniques. Here "breathing" has an additional meaning of "match with" or "accord," as the efforts of toriTori (martial arts)
is a term used in Japanese martial arts to refer to the executor of a technique in partnered practice. The term "tori" comes from the verb , meaning "to take", "to pick up", or "to choose"....
must agree with the direction and strength with which his wrists are held by uke.
Initial attacks
Aikido techniques are usually a defense against an attack; therefore, to practice aikido with their partner, students must learn to deliver various types of attacks. Although attacks are not studied as thoroughly as in strikingStrike (attack)
A strike is an attack with an inanimate object, such as a weapon, or with a part of the human body intended to cause an effect upon an opponent or to simply cause harm to an opponent. There are many different varieties of strikes...
-based arts such as karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
or taekwondo
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon means "to strike or break with fist"; and do means "way", "method", or "path"...
, "honest" or "sincere" attacks (a strong strike or an immobilizing grab) are needed to study correct and effective application of technique.
Many of the of aikido are often said to resemble cuts from a sword
Sword
A sword is a bladed weapon used primarily for cutting or thrusting. The precise definition of the term varies with the historical epoch or the geographical region under consideration...
or other grasped object, which indicates its origins in techniques intended for armed
Samurai
is the term for the military nobility of pre-industrial Japan. According to translator William Scott Wilson: "In Chinese, the character 侍 was originally a verb meaning to wait upon or accompany a person in the upper ranks of society, and this is also true of the original term in Japanese, saburau...
combat. Other techniques, which appear to explicitly be punches (tsuki
Tsuki
, is the Japanese word for "thrust", coming from the verb , meaning "to thrust". It sounds the same as the Japanese word for "moon"/"month" .-Kendo:...
), are also practiced as thrusts with a knife
Knife
A knife is a cutting tool with an exposed cutting edge or blade, hand-held or otherwise, with or without a handle. Knives were used at least two-and-a-half million years ago, as evidenced by the Oldowan tools...
or sword. Kick
Kick
In combat sports and hand-to-hand combat, a kick is a physical strike using the foot, leg, or knee . This type of attack is used frequently, especially in stand-up fighting...
s are generally reserved for upper-level variations; reasons cited include that falls from kicks are especially dangerous, and that kicks (high kicks in particular) were uncommon during the types of combat prevalent in feudal Japan. Some basic strikes include: a vertical knifehand strike to the head. In training, this is usually directed at the forehead or the crown
Crown (anatomy)
A crown is the top of the head.The following birds and other animals are said to have a crown on their head:* Cranes** Grey-crowned Crane** Red-crowned Crane** Black-crowned Crane* Crowned eagle* Gray-crowned Rosy Finch* Yellow-crowned Gonolek...
for safety, but more dangerous versions of this attack target the bridge of the nose and the maxillary sinus
Maxillary sinus
The pyramid shaped maxillary sinus is the largest of the paranasal sinuses, and drains into the nose. It is present at birth as rudimentary air cells, and develops throughout childhood.-General characteristics:...
. a diagonal knifehand strike to the side of the head or neck. a punch
Punch (strike)
A punch is a striking blow with the fist. It is the most commonly used attack in hand to hand combat. It is used in some martial arts and combat sports, most notably boxing where it is the only type of technique allowed...
to the torso
Torso
Trunk or torso is an anatomical term for the central part of the many animal bodies from which extend the neck and limbs. The trunk includes the thorax and abdomen.-Major organs:...
. Specific targets include the chest
Chest
The chest is a part of the anatomy of humans and various other animals. It is sometimes referred to as the thorax or the bosom.-Chest anatomy - Humans and other hominids:...
, abdomen
Abdomen
In vertebrates such as mammals the abdomen constitutes the part of the body between the thorax and pelvis. The region enclosed by the abdomen is termed the abdominal cavity...
, and solar plexus. Same as , and . a punch to the face
Face
The face is a central sense organ complex, for those animals that have one, normally on the ventral surface of the head, and can, depending on the definition in the human case, include the hair, forehead, eyebrow, eyelashes, eyes, nose, ears, cheeks, mouth, lips, philtrum, temple, teeth, skin, and...
. Same as . Being attacked with a sword
Katana
A Japanese sword, or , is one of the traditional bladed weapons of Japan. There are several types of Japanese swords, according to size, field of application and method of manufacture.-Description:...
or bokken
Bokken
A bokken , "wood", and ken, "sword") , is a Japanese wooden sword used for training. It is usually the size and shape of a katana, but is sometimes shaped like other swords, such as the wakizashi and tantō...
, usually reserved for upper level practitioners. Being attacked with a tantō
Tanto
A is one of the traditional Japanese swords that were worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The tantō dates to the Heian period, when it was mainly used as a weapon but evolved in design over the years to become more ornate...
, usually a wooden one. Being attacked with a jō
Jo
JO, Jo or jo may refer to:*Jō, a ~4-foot-long wooden staff used in some Japanese martial arts*Cho , , also spelled Jo, a common Korean family name*Jo , a 1971 French comedy...
. Being attack by any wooden staff is called bōtori(棒取り) or tsuetori(杖取り)
Beginners in particular often practice techniques from grabs, both because they are safer and because it is easier to feel the energy
Qi
In traditional Chinese culture, qì is an active principle forming part of any living thing. Qi is frequently translated as life energy, lifeforce, or energy flow. Qi is the central underlying principle in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts...
and lines of force of a hold than a strike. Some grabs are historically
History of Japan
The history of Japan encompasses the history of the islands of Japan and the Japanese people, spanning the ancient history of the region to the modern history of Japan as a nation state. Following the last ice age, around 12,000 BC, the rich ecosystem of the Japanese Archipelago fostered human...
derived from being held while trying to draw
Iaijutsu
, the art of drawing the Japanese sword. One of Japanese martial disciplines in education of the classical warrior .-Etymology:"Iaijutsu" was known before the Tokugawa period but it is unclear exactly when the term "iaijutsu" first came into use, or when exactly drawing the katana from its...
a weapon
Katana
A Japanese sword, or , is one of the traditional bladed weapons of Japan. There are several types of Japanese swords, according to size, field of application and method of manufacture.-Description:...
; a technique could then be used to free oneself and immobilize or strike the attacker who is grabbing the defender. one hand grabs one wrist. both hands grab one wrist. Same as both hands grab both wrists. Same as . a shoulder grab. "Both-shoulders-grab" is . It is sometimes combined with an overhead strike as . grabbing the (clothing of the) chest. Same as .
Techniques
Morihei Ueshiba
was a famous martial artist and founder of the Japanese martial art of aikido. He is often referred to as "the founder" or , "Great Teacher".-Early years:Morihei Ueshiba was born in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan on December 14, 1883....
. The precise terminology for some may vary between organisations and styles; what follows are the terms used by the Aikikai
Aikikai
The Aikikai is the original school of Aikido. It is centered on the Aikikai Foundation in Japan, and its figurehead is the Doshu . It is represented globally through the International Aikido Federation....
Foundation. (Note that despite the names of the first five techniques listed, they are not universally taught in numeric order.) Several techniques (e.g. the "drop" throws) are also shared with judo
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
, which can be considered a "cousin" of aikido due to their shared jujutsu
Jujutsu
Jujutsu , also known as jujitsu, ju-jitsu, or Japanese jiu-jitsu, is a Japanese martial art and a method of close combat for defeating an armed and armored opponent in which one uses no weapon, or only a short weapon....
background. a control using one hand on the elbow and one hand near the wrist which lever
Lever
In physics, a lever is a rigid object that is used with an appropriate fulcrum or pivot point to either multiply the mechanical force that can be applied to another object or resistance force , or multiply the distance and speed at which the opposite end of the rigid object travels.This leverage...
ages uke to the ground. This grip also applies pressure into the ulnar nerve
Ulnar nerve
In human anatomy, the ulnar nerve is a nerve which runs near the ulna bone. The ulnar collateral ligament of elbow joint is in relation with the ulnar nerve. The nerve is the largest unprotected nerve in the human body , so injury is common...
at the wrist. a pronating wristlock that torques the arm and applies painful nerve pressure. (There is an adductive wristlock or Z-lock in ura version.) a rotational wristlock that directs upward-spiraling tension throughout the arm, elbow and shoulder. a shoulder control similar to ikkyō, but with both hands gripping the forearm. The knuckles (from the palm side) are applied to the recipient's radial nerve
Radial nerve
The radial nerve is a nerve in the human body that supplies the upper limb. It supplies the medial and lateral heads of the triceps brachii muscle of the arm, as well as all 12 muscles in the posterior osteofascial compartment of the forearm and the associated joints and overlying skin.It...
against the periosteum
Periosteum
Periosteum is a membrane that lines the outer surface of all bones, except at the joints of long bones. Endosteum lines the inner surface of all bones....
of the forearm bone. visually similar to ikkyō, but with an inverted grip of the wrist, medial rotation of the arm and shoulder, and downward pressure on the elbow. Common in knife
Knife
A knife is a cutting tool with an exposed cutting edge or blade, hand-held or otherwise, with or without a handle. Knives were used at least two-and-a-half million years ago, as evidenced by the Oldowan tools...
and other weapon take-aways. also called an elbow lock generally used for knife thrusts or straight punches. The hand is folded back past the shoulder, locking the shoulder joint. a supinating wristlock-throw that stretches the extensor digitorum. a loosely used term for various types of mechanically unrelated techniques, although they generally do not use joint locks like other techniques.
Different types of kokyūnage include:
- ushironage 後ろ投げ the attacker falls backwards. Known as Tai no henkō in YoshinkanYoshinkanAikido Yoshinkan is a style of aikido founded by Gozo Shioda after World War II...
- tenkan tsugiashi 転換継ぎ足 rear pivot and then forward step
- irimi tenkan 入身転換
- irimi kaiten 入身回転
- kiri otoshi 切り落し "cutting drop"
- uki otoshi 浮き落とし "floating drop"
- maki otoshi 巻き落とし "rolling-up drop"
- hajiki goshi はじき腰 “flicking hip”
- katahiki-otoshi 肩ひき落とし “shoulder pulling drop”
- kata hiki hajiki goshi 肩ひきはじき腰 shoulder-pulling flicking hip
- suri-otoshi すり落とし “striking drop”
- tsurikomi-goshi 釣込腰 “lifting-pull hip”
- tsuri-goshi 釣腰 “pulling hip”
- kote-hineri koshi-nage 小手捻り腰投げ “forearm twist hip throw” throws in which nage moves through the space occupied by uke. The classic form superficially resembles a "clothesline" technique. beginning with ryōte-dori; moving forward, nage sweeps one hand low ("earth") and the other high ("heaven"), which unbalances uke so that he or she easily topples over. aikido's version of the hip throw. Nage drops his or her hips lower than those of uke, then flips uke over the resultant fulcrumLeverIn physics, a lever is a rigid object that is used with an appropriate fulcrum or pivot point to either multiply the mechanical force that can be applied to another object or resistance force , or multiply the distance and speed at which the opposite end of the rigid object travels.This leverage...
. or a throw that locks the arms against each other (The kanjiKanjiKanji are the adopted logographic Chinese characters hanzi that are used in the modern Japanese writing system along with hiragana , katakana , Indo Arabic numerals, and the occasional use of the Latin alphabet...
for "10" is a cross-shape: 十). nage sweeps the arm back until it locks the shoulder joint, then uses forward pressure to throw.
Yoshinkan terminology
The YoshinkanYoshinkan
Aikido Yoshinkan is a style of aikido founded by Gozo Shioda after World War II...
school retains these Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu terms for the "first" through "fourth" techniques:
- 一ケ条 Ikkajo
- 二ケ条 Nikajo
- 三ケ条 Sankajo
- 四ケ条 Yonkajo
Implementations
Tai sabaki
is a term from Japanese martial arts and which relates to 'whole body movement', or repositioning. It can be translated as body-management. It is a term used widely in kendo, jujutsu, aikido, judo, karate and ninjutsu...
) to blend with uke. For example, an "entering" (irimi
Irimi
is a Japanese martial arts term used to describe entering straight into a technique, as opposed to the more indirect entrance into technique called tenkan. In basic training, irimi usually looks like a step forward, straight or at an angle but usually ending with the body facing the attacker,...
) technique consists of movements inward towards uke, while a technique uses a pivoting motion.
Additionally, an technique takes place in front of uke, whereas an technique takes place to his side; a technique is applied with motion to the front of uke, and a version is applied with motion towards the rear of uke, usually by incorporating a turning or pivoting motion. Finally, most techniques can be performed while in a seated posture (seiza
Seiza
Seiza is the Japanese term for the traditional formal way of sitting in Japan.- Form :To sit seiza-style, one first kneels on the floor, folding one's legs underneath one's thighs, while resting the buttocks on the heels...
). Techniques where both uke and nage are sitting are called suwari-waza, and techniques performed with uke standing and nage sitting are called hanmi handachi.
Thus, from fewer than twenty basic techniques, there are thousands of possible implementations. For instance, ikkyō can be applied to an opponent moving forward with a strike (perhaps with an ura type of movement to redirect the incoming force), or to an opponent who has already struck and is now moving back to reestablish distance (perhaps an omote-waza version). Specific aikido kata are typically referred to with the formula "attack-technique(-modifier)". For instance, katate-dori ikkyō refers to any ikkyō technique executed when uke is holding one wrist. This could be further specified as katate-dori ikkyō omote, referring to any forward-moving ikkyō technique from that grab.
Atemi
Atemi
In Japanese martial arts, the term designates blows to the body, as opposed to twisting of joints, strangleholds, holding techniques and throws. Atemi can be delivered by any part of the body to any part of the opponents body. They can be percussive or use 'soft' power. Karate is a typical...
are strikes (or feint
Feint
Feint is a French term that entered English from the discipline of fencing. Feints are maneuvers designed to distract or mislead, done by giving the impression that a certain maneuver will take place, while in fact another, or even none, will...
s) employed during an aikido technique. Some view atemi as attacks against "vital points
Pressure point
A pressure point in the field of martial arts refers to an area on the human body that may produce significant pain or other effects when manipulated in a specific manner...
" meant to cause damage in and of themselves. For instance, Gōzō Shioda
Gozo Shioda
was a Japanese master of aikido who founded the Yoshinkan style of aikido. He was one of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba's most senior students. Shioda held the rank of 10th dan in aikido.-Early life:...
described using atemi in a brawl to quickly down a gang's leader. Others consider atemi, especially to the face, to be methods of distraction meant to enable other techniques. A strike, whether or not it is blocked, can startle the target and break his or her concentration. The target may also become unbalanced in attempting to avoid the blow, for example by jerking the head back, which may allow for an easier throw.
Many sayings about atemi are attributed to Morihei Ueshiba
Morihei Ueshiba
was a famous martial artist and founder of the Japanese martial art of aikido. He is often referred to as "the founder" or , "Great Teacher".-Early years:Morihei Ueshiba was born in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan on December 14, 1883....
, who considered them an essential element of technique.