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[edit] Kaeshi Waza

Technique reversal. (UKE becomes NAGE and vice- versa). In some schools, this is an advanced form of practice. KAESHI WAZA practice helps to instill a sensitivity to shifts in resistance or direction in the movements of one's partner. Training so as to anticipate and prevent the application of KAESHI WAZA against one's own techniques greatly sharpens aikido skills.

The literal translation of //kaeshi// is "to return; reverse". Kaeshi waza is an attempt by uke to counter a technique and respond with another technique.

For example, if nage is performing nikyo but does not properly control the whole arm, then uke may try to drop the elbow and turn in, applying sankyo.

Kaeshi waza is generally a more advanced practice because it requires more sensitivity between nage and uke. Methods of practice vary from dojo to dojo. At one extreme, nage may be advised to allow uke to successfully counter the technique every time. At the other, nage and uke may work back and forth continually without any preset outcome until one of them is able to perform a technique.

When practicing kaeshi waza forms, uke should wait until the technique is being applied before beginning any reversal. Ideally, the reversal arises from an actual weakness in nage's technique.