AikiWeb Aikido Forums - View Single Post - Can someone explain Tai No Henkan the Iwama way?

Misogi-no-Gyo · 06-19-2004, 12:05 AM

Good thread with many varied opinions. One important thing that has yet to be mentioned is that Tae no henko is an exercise, and not a technique. Therefore martial effectiveness is not relative, as it is only meant to illustrate the main principle of applying kokyu in relation to ones hanmi. The aspect of maai is also ever-present, but that changes throughout the movement. Understanding how to apply kuzushi using kokyu and how not to lose the connection to the uke throughout the movement (by adjusting one's hanmi posture so as not to lose the connection to the ground in the rear foot) is the principle that is to be understood and developed during the tae-no-henko exercise. Without this basic understanding, one can't do any aikido technique. That is why, along with kokyu-dosa, it is still considered one of the most fundamental of aikido exercises, and practiced at most dojos world-wide. Traditionally these are practiced at the beginning and end of of every aikido class, respectively, as a reminder of the importance of this in relation to aikido versus ju-jutsu.

It is said that all martial arts classes should begin and end with rei (bowing). However, to show that we are training in aikido versus some other art, we can begin with tae-no-henko and end with kokyu-dosa. Pretty much, I can tell everything I need to know about someone (and their respective ability and progress in the art) through these two exercises.

With respect towards transitioning this exercise into waza, and whether to end up in front of or behind of the opponent, our goal is always to end up behind the opponent. This is clearly illustrated in the picture of Saito Sensei demonstrated by his finishing position. One reason why you would want to end up not totally to the rear of an individual (off on a 45 degree angle) is if you are in the process of applying atemi to either the face or the ribs of your opponent. However, it is important to note, that if proper kuzushi and kokyu is applied, the opponent can't pick up his feet, nor turn or enter unless allowed to by the nage.

06-19-2004, 12:05 AM	#21
Misogi-no-Gyo Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 498 Offline	Re: Can someone explain Tai No Henkan the Iwama way? Good thread with many varied opinions. One important thing that has yet to be mentioned is that Tae no henko is an exercise, and not a technique. Therefore martial effectiveness is not relative, as it is only meant to illustrate the main principle of applying kokyu in relation to ones hanmi. The aspect of maai is also ever-present, but that changes throughout the movement. Understanding how to apply kuzushi using kokyu and how not to lose the connection to the uke throughout the movement (by adjusting one's hanmi posture so as not to lose the connection to the ground in the rear foot) is the principle that is to be understood and developed during the tae-no-henko exercise. Without this basic understanding, one can't do any aikido technique. That is why, along with kokyu-dosa, it is still considered one of the most fundamental of aikido exercises, and practiced at most dojos world-wide. Traditionally these are practiced at the beginning and end of of every aikido class, respectively, as a reminder of the importance of this in relation to aikido versus ju-jutsu. It is said that all martial arts classes should begin and end with rei (bowing). However, to show that we are training in aikido versus some other art, we can begin with tae-no-henko and end with kokyu-dosa. Pretty much, I can tell everything I need to know about someone (and their respective ability and progress in the art) through these two exercises. With respect towards transitioning this exercise into waza, and whether to end up in front of or behind of the opponent, our goal is always to end up behind the opponent. This is clearly illustrated in the picture of Saito Sensei demonstrated by his finishing position. One reason why you would want to end up not totally to the rear of an individual (off on a 45 degree angle) is if you are in the process of applying atemi to either the face or the ribs of your opponent. However, it is important to note, that if proper kuzushi and kokyu is applied, the opponent can't pick up his feet, nor turn or enter unless allowed to by the nage. Last edited by Misogi-no-Gyo : 06-19-2004 at 12:18 AM.
Misogi-no-Gyo Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 498 Offline	I no longer participate in or read the discussion forums here on AikiWeb due to the unfair and uneven treatment of people by the owner/administrator.