Aikido techniques are made up of two categories of movement: those of control (katame-waza) and those of throwing (nage-waza). There are over 700 movements belonging to these two waza. The throws are often large and dynamic, and the control or imobilisation techniques use powerful pressure on joints. Sometimes direct strikes (atemi) are used to split the attackers concentration but these are in addition to, not a substitute for a good technique.
When a student shows sufficient skill in basic techniques they will be offered the chance to grade. The syllabus is set by the senior instructors, and gradings are performed in front of the class. An overview of the gradings are given below:
5th Kyu - Yellow Belt
4th Kyu - Orange Belt
3rd Kyu - Green Belt
2nd Kyu - Blue Belt
1st Kyu - Brown Belt
1st Dan - Black Belt
2nd Dan - Black Belt
There are 16 main forms of attack starting with basic attacks to the wrist (katate-dori), shoulder (kata-dori) or lapels (muni-dori) and progressing through to strikes to the head (shomen and yokomen) and punches (tsuki) and various attacks from the rear (ushiro). Training progresses from attacks in static standing posture (kihon dosa) to full movement (ki no nagare) and multi- person attack (jiyu waza)
The main defensive techniques range through the throws of Shiho nage, Kote gaeshi, Irimi nage, Kaiten nage, Tenchi nage and Koshi nage.
Ikkyo, Nikkyo, Sankyo, Yonkyo and Gokyo
However, there are many more techniques in both categories.
The techniques can also be performed when kneeling (suwari waza) in the traditional Japanese fashion
Mathematical model of Irimi nage
Yes, a mathematical model of Irimi Nage Ura, as developed by Codrin Draghici.
- Nidan grading photos
Jiyu Waza. A jiyu waza session from October 2005, set to music and in slow motion. One person flowing free style. 6 minutes long
Like most Martial Arts and methods of self-defense, Aikido is performed unarmed. However, weapons are used to promote body movement, increase strength, improve breathing, increase reaction timing and blending into an attack. All of which are useful for our body techniques (tai jutsu).
Three types of wooden weapons are used:
- Bokken - a wooden practice sword,
- Jo - The Jo is a wooden staff approx. 4 feet 2 inches long and just under 1 inch in diameter .
- Tanto - a wooden knife
31 Count Jo Kata Pairs Practice
26 second.Neil Brown (4th Dan , on the right, kata) and Codrin Draghici (1st Dan, on the left, anti kata). Filmed in sepia on 12th October 2006 at Ashford Aikido Club