Although
Aikido is often translated as “the way of
spiritual harmony” (ai = harmony, ki =
energy/spirit, and do = way), it is by
design an effective method of self-defense.
Many aikido teachers and schools, however,
have so misunderstood aikido’s concepts of
harmony and spirituality, and its history,
that there has been a dilution of attention
to technical detail. As a result, aikido
technique often becomes so soft, flowing and
dependent on cooperation that, when
practiced in this manner, it loses its
martial effectiveness.
In this series of articles, Roy Suenaka
Sensei demonstrates an aikido that is both
practical and effective. He also
demonstrates many common mistakes that can
reduce the effectiveness of technique or
leave the defender vulnerable to counters.
The first technique shows how a common wrist
technique (kote-gaeshi) can be used against
an opponent who attacks with a straight
middle punch.
The Technique
The attacker delivers a midsection strike
(photo 1). Suenaka immediately moves to the
same side (outside the forward leg),
redirecting the attacker’s strike with his
left hand while delivering a counter strike
(atemi) with his right. The attacker’s
momentum propels him forward.
Suenaka captures the attacker’s wrist
(his left hand already in place from the
initial redirect) beginning the wrist
cutting lock (photo 2), and pivots, leading
the attacker around him, off balance. Note
how Suenaka keeps the attacker’s captured
hand in front of him while remaining at the
attacker’s blind side.
Having successfully led the attacker off
balance, Suenaka slides his right foot
backwards, whipping the attacker out before
him (photo 3), further destroying his
balance. Simultaneously, Suenaka places his
right hand atop the attacker’s fingers,
bending the wrist along its natural, inside
anatomical arc and completing the wrist
technique – a kote-gaeshi lock.
Suenaka then cuts the attacker’s wrist
downwards – again, like a sword cut –
propelling the attackersoff his feet and
completing the throw.
Incorrect Technique
Attention to correct
technique is important to proper execution
of this technique. Here are some common
mistakes:
Suenaka moves to the attacker’s blind
side (photo 1), but without leading the
attacker off-balance or striking, risking
neutralization or a counter strike.
While turning outward (photo 2), Suenaka
drags, rather than leads the attacker,
allowing him to get behind him, sacrificing
control and again opening himself to
neutralization or a counter strike. The
attacker is still not off-balance.
In photo 3, Suenaka cuts the attacker’s
wrist to the side, against the joint,
risking injury to the attacker. Improper
distance and lack of lead allows the
attacker to maintain his full balance and
potentially deliver a counter-strike, or
move himself to the outside to neutralize
the technique.
The attacker is forced to the mat (photo
4) by strength alone.
The Wrist Turn-Out
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Incorrect
Kote-Gaeshi Hand Position
(Photo A)
The attacker’s
hand is forced unnaturally outwards.
Lack of lead forces the defender to
rely on strength and the pain of the
outside lock to effect the throw.
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Correct
Kote-Gaeshi Hand Position
(Photo B)
The attacker’s
hand is locked and bent backwards
along the natural arc described by
the fingers. With proper lead, this
lock is always effective.
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