Josh Gold“You too can learn to execute the wrist twist throw
expertly by following these instructions!”
Sometimes, especially when certain people apply techniques, aikido hurts! Some may admire those capable of powering through a technique by inflicting pain and intimidation; others may feel fear. In either case, people who practice in this manner have little understanding of the principles of aikido as espoused by Founder Morihei Ueshiba. You should not imitate their example.
O-Sensei and the top aikido teachers learned how to maintain a relaxed body when executing techniques. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, real power and effective technique comes from a soft, relaxed application of aikido movements. You should imitate this example in your practice. We have some material to help you learn these skills and develop the accompanying mindset.
During the course of this week, we introduce you to the Ki Aikido curriculum of Shizuo Imaizumi Sensei, one of Koichi Tohei’s finest students. These video lessons have been adapted from Imaizumi Sensei’s Ki Aikido Course.
Each video covers in detail a core aikido technique. In his presentations, Imaizumi Sensei stresses the importance of relaxation and blending with your partner. He provides detailed instructions to guide you through each stage of the technique. After watching the videos several times, you will have enough information to start applying these principles to your aikido. With a clear understanding of what works and what doesn’t, you will progress rapidly.
Today, Imaizumi Sensei introduces Kote Kaeshi, the wrist twist throw. If you’re like many practitioners you will be tempted to use strength when twisting your partner’s wrist. This is counterproductive to the success of your technique. A strong partner may have the ability to resist your attempt to thrown him by strongly twisting his wrist, while a beginning level practitioner may suffer an injury.
Here are several important points to keep in mind when executing Kote Kaeshi:
- Step off the line of attack and execute atemi to your partner’sribs. O-Sensei, Koichi Tohei Sensei, Morihiro Saito Sensei all did this.
- Apply a soft pressure with three fingers on your partner’s wrist by pushing downward when working with beginners.
- For examination requirements you would normally pin your partnerface down in this manner.
- When doing kote kaeshi at a more advanced level, open up widely togive space for your partner’s high fall.
- Another way to perform Kote Kaeshi is to let go of your partner’swrist at the final stage of the throw.
Now Imaizumi Sensei will demonstrate Kote Kaeshi for you. Kindly enter your information below to gain immediate access to this free video.
Thank you!
Hello everyone,
Is an atemi will be enough to unbalance an uke?
Maybe yes, maybe not.
Aikido is not just applying techniques. Or it should be named: techniques of “Aikido”, thus it would be more like jujutsu.
If applying an atemi is enough to unbalance aite then lets call that karate or boxe or any martial activity that use strikes to win. As aikido is not a question of win or lose writing such an idea is vain.
Techniques are just an opportunity to empty the first intention of aite, nothing less, nothing more.
I will not apply kotegaeshi because it was my first intention, but because aite’s body tells me to do so. I call that freedom. Anyway during the learning process we have to pass by the step by step way, but we have to remember that it is not the finality of Aikido.
6U!
Thank you very much for your comments. I would point out that Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba used atemi in practice all throughout his career until the very end.