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Old 08-08-2008, 12:44 AM   #31
Bryan Sproles
Dojo: NOLA Aikido
Location: New Orleans
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 31
United_States
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Re: Core Techniques in Aikido -- and Why

From what I've seen, read and experienced (with some previous JuJItsu training as well), in Aikido, I would say the core basics are:

Ukemi (mae, ushiro, yoko)

Kamae - basic stance

Tenkan - standard method of moving, helps blend with uke during techniques

Kokyu Ho - breath technique, standard exercise

Tai no Henko - Basic movements

Ikkyo - A very common technique to get uke to the mat. Can be done on its own, or in combination with many other techniques, e.g. -- nikkyo/sankyo -> ikkyo, ikkyo -> kotegaeshi, etc.

Nikkyo - Standard wrist lock for controlling uke

Sankyo - Another form of controlling uke

Shihonage - Probably my favorite (and best) technique - teaches how to tenkan, shift weight, maintain balance, sword movements (bringing the sword (elbow) up, and cutting down to throw.)

Finally, core...not techniques, but rather principles that *I'm* getting from Aikido:

• circularity
• zanshin
• sword-based movement
• moving from the hips

And finally for me, absolutely essential is an eagerness and willingness to learn

-Bryan
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