Aikido is a fun yet, like most every form of the martial arts, very disciplined. To become experienced as a practiced student of Aikido, one must learn to apply the various techniques that, so very often, will be the difference in proper execution of a movement and the difference between success and failure.
Aikido techniques rely on a calm mind, relaxed body, and accurate positioning rather than strength. Techniques are created from the attacker's own energy and momentum. Spherical movements are used to redirect this energy.
In the beginning, learning proper footwork (ashi sabaki), learning to fall and roll (ukemi), and basic exercises should be the main focus for a new student.
Many teachers and aficionados of Aikido focus on 4 Basic Principles: Focus, Keeping weight on the "under-side," Relax, and Extension of ki. Nevertheless, Aikido techniques are often separated into categories of throws, punches, grabs, and attacks. Techniques are throwing techniques from a wrist attack, done from shoulder or lapel grab, throws from punching, throws when attacker grabs both hands, Throws when attacker grabs both shoulders or lapels, techniques done when attacker grabs one hand with his two hands, techniques done from a downward strike to the head, techniques done as a result of attacks from behind, and techniques taken from diagonal strikes to head or neck.
However, when focusing on techniques, there are four major areas of focus: Stances, Footwork, Attacks, and Throws. (Although all of the various techniques we will be discussing have Japanese names, I will not burden you with giving their names; we will however, use the Japanese name when referring to the most rudimentary of terms. However, if you are serious about learning and progressing in Aikido, I seriously suggest that you learn the Japanese terms for all movements.)
First we will discuss stances. A posture or stance, either with or without a weapon may signify proper distance with respect to one's partner. Although a stance generally refers to a physical stance, there is an important parallel in aikido between one's physical and one's psychological bearing. Adopting a strong physical stance helps to promote the correlative adoption of a strong psychological attitude. It is important to try and maintain a positive attitude in aikido.
The first and most basic stance is called the Mutual stance where the uke ("The one who receives" the technique or the attacker who gets thrown.) and the nage ("The one who throws" or the defender who applies the technique against the attacker.) each have the same foot forward (right to right, left to left).
Next is a middle position stance with one's hands and/or sword in a central position with respect to one's body.
Next is a lower position stance with one's hands or a weapon held in a lower position.
Note: The following 5 are all opposing stances
The primary opposing stance is the simplest (if the uke has the right foot forward, the nage has the left foot forward, if the uke has the left foot forward, the nage has the right foot forward).
Triangular stance. Most often, aikido techniques are practiced with the uke and the nage in pre-determined stances. This is to facilitate learning the techniques and certain principles of positioning with respect to an attack. At higher levels, specific triangular stances cease to be of much importance.
The next opposing stance positions the nage sitting and the uke standing. This training is a good way of practicing techniques as though with a significantly larger/taller opponent. This type of training also emphasizes movement from one's center of mass. This position is reserved for eighth degree black belts.
The left-handed stance is performed with the left hand and/or weapon extended.
Next is performed in the upper position. A stance with the hands or a weapon held in a high position.
The final stance is the sword stance.
The next focus area is Aikido footwork.
The first is the “Entering movement”. Most literally this mean "Entering the space of the opponents Body". The Entering movement expresses the very essence of aikido. The idea behind the Entering movement is to place oneself in relation to an attacker in such a way that the attacker is unable to continue to attack effectively, and in such a way that one is able to control effectively the attacker's balance. On the physical level, this means to enter to the side in order to avoid the attack. On the spiritual level, it means to penetrate and defuse an aggressive force.
The next to be learned is entering with a single step, Turning movement, especially turning the body 180 degrees, and to enter and turn, which is a combination of the primary Entering movement and Turning movement applied according to circumstances.
The next footwork positioning is a movement where the nage retreats 45 degrees away from the attack, especially to the uke's open side.
Aikido attacks are extensive and do not often vary no matter what teacher you study with.
Grabs and holds are the first attacks you will learn. They are as follows:
Collar grab, Cross-hand grab (e.g. left to left), Elbow grab, Shoulder grab/hold, Shoulder grab and strike to the head, Same side wrist/hand grab (e.g. right to left), Opposite side wrist/hand grab, One hand holding one hand cross handed, Both hands grab partner's hand/wrist, One or two hand lapel grab, Grabbing both shoulders, Two hands grab both of partner's wrists, Wrist/hand grab, Collar grab from behind, Elbow grab from behind, Shoulder grab from behind, Grabbing both shoulders from the back, Two hands holding two hands from the back, Wrist/hand grab from the back.
Next will be a focus on strikes and combinations of grab and strikes. The first is the Shoulder grab and strike to the head. Next are the Neck strangle, First strike to chest or stomach, Straight strike to the top of the head, Straight punch or thrust, especially to the midsection, Rear choke, and the Diagonal strike to the side of the head.
Aikido throws are not simple and often take plenty from the uke and the nage. Basic throws are as follows: Blending drop throw, Entering throw, Arm entwining throw, Rotary throw, Breath throws, Hip throw, Wrist turn-out throw (Accomplished by twisting partner's wrist), "Four direction" throw, "Corner drop", "Heaven and earth" throw, and the One hand points to heaven, the other to earth body throw.
Although there is much more information on Aikido techniques to be learned, the basic form, styles, and techniques are all here for you to enjoy. Aikido techniques are designed to control attacks without inflicting unnecessary harm. Thousands of variations provide a comprehensive defense whatever your level of study. You can progress in Aikido as long as you are true to the art, dedicated, and practice.
