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Old 12-13-2009, 07:54 PM   #4
Michael Hackett
Dojo: Kenshinkan Dojo (Aikido of North County) Vista, CA
Location: Oceanside, California
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,253
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Re: Gyaku hanmi vs gyakute-dori

Linda,

Your mirror analogy might be what's throwing you off. Gyakyu means opposite in our general use. Think of your hanmi as opposite feet pointing forward and the grab as grasping the arm on the opposite side of the body. We use the term "katate kosa dori" for cross-hand grabs. Just think of how confusing it is for a Japanese visitor to understand English with all the peculiar words and constructions.

Michael
"Leave the gun. Bring the cannoli."
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