This is part2 of “Kansetsu-waza, the Tomiki method”, Kote-hineri or inward torque. Tekubi-waza take advantage of the vulnerable points in the wrist joints and are used to make the elbow techniques more effective. Kenji Tomiki, Judo and Aikido Originally in around 1950, Kenji Tomiki selected 8 different tekubi-waza or wrist-locks for his aikido randori method. Tekubi-waza Wrist techniques Kote-hineri Inward torque Junte-dori Regular twist Kote-hineri(1), (Tenkai)-Kote-hineri Gyakute-dori Reverse twist Gyakute-Kote-hineri(3)(Kote-mawashi) Gyakute-Kote-hineri(4)(Kote-mawashi) Kote-gaes ..read more

Part 1 Kenji Tomiki is credited with simplifying and classifying the various Aikido techniques into a clear scheme. It’s important to note that not all techniques are included in his scheme. During the early 1950s, his view was solely based on atemi-waza and kansetsu-waza. Around 1960, when the 17 basic techniques were introduced, Uki-Waza or floating techniques were added. In the Kodokan Judo repertoire, there is a significant emphasis on nage waza and katame waza. The kata method is utilized to study and practice Atemi waza and Kansetsu waza, but there are some drawbacks. The issue of effici ..read more

The use of excessive power is always a concern when practicing ‘randori’. Although we stress the importance of softness during practice, sometimes it is necessary to use all your human resources, including muscular strength. Effective use of controlling techniques requires a solid grip. Your opponent will overpower you during randori practice if your grasping method lacks the strength to keep your grasp solid. A grip that is strong must also have the ability to be flexible. Your techniques will become static and tension-filled if you lack movement skill. The skill of ‘ju-and-go’ is to balance ..read more

Martial arts marketing mainly emphasizes the idea of winning against a much stronger opponent. This idea is enforced by a clever training system that has rules and limitations for the attacker. A competing format tries to break out of those limitations. Unfortunately, the competitive format to become safe requires limitations and rules. The study and training in a martial art occur in a specially equipped hall. For Japanese martial arts, the training hall is called a dojo. Dojo training is not comparable to a hostile environment in the real world. Your belief that a competitive format will sig ..read more

Dan ranks are mass produced these days and they no longer prove any real skill level or proficiency. Around 1880, Jigoro Kano started transforming his Jujutsu method into what is now referred to as Judo. At the same time, a movement was underway to transform Kenjutsu into a competitive martial art called Kendo. Kano gave some of his students their first rank “Shodan” in 1883. To standardize and nationalize the martial arts, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (1895) was established. The Dai Nippon Butoku Kai awarded titles (Shogo) such as Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi in Shogo. Later, the system of Dan ..read more

Historically, the majority of bladed weapons were used for military or police interventions. Of course, those who like to walk on the wild side are also using bladed weapons. While bladed weapons are not allowed to be carried by civilians in most countries, they can carry a walking stick and use it as a weapon if needed. The Western walking stick or cane became a popular item in Japan at the beginning of the 20th century. Some martial art experts transferred the Western method of using the self-defence “Cane” into a Japanese style of martial art method called “sutekki-jutsu” or “tanjo-jutsu ..read more

Many Japanese martial arts have some techniques with tanto included in their syllabus. Learning these techniques is mostly done through a kata-based method. Two methods are being considered: Defending against an attack or a threat with a tanto Stabbing, cutting, or striking with a tanto. Most of those techniques lack realism and are mostly choreographed performances. See the example below. There is a threat with a knife, but then it seems the attacker freezes, and the defender has all the time to perform the technique. A frequent attack involves hitting the opponent’s head or neck overhead ..read more

Kata is a key element in the Japanese martial arts traditions. A kata is a type of activity that is regulated by “rules or norms” for the use of efficient body movements. The purpose of a kata can involve simulating a martial situation. This is a recreation of the original,’real’ version, with the removal of certain elements that are not relevant at the present time. A kata contains both static and dynamic structures. These structures are not subject to changes. However, not all sequences we use are kata. The Kodokan Judo syllabus stipulates the use of a training tool called ‘Go-Kyo’ to teach ..read more

The syllabus of Aikido styles usually contains short version basic sequences. This evolution was a result of martial arts becoming a highly educational and recreational activity for amateur practitioners worldwide after WW2. The syllabus for the “short version” is not exclusive to Aikido. Short versions of Karate-do, Kendo, Judo, Iaido, Jodo,… are available. In Iaido, a 12-kata syllabus called ‘Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Iaido’ is used as an introduction to Kendo practitioners and as a partial syllabus for Iaido Dan-grading. This short version is highly popular among non-Kendo martial art practit ..read more

Martial Arts sportification is a result of several reasons. Political and/or economical reasons are often the cause of inspiration for many. The Japanese Military Government during the first half of the 20th century is an example. To survive in an economic-inspired world, Japanese Martial Arts had to change their view and training after WW2. Sport is a significant business that cannot be overlooked. Entering the WORLD COMBAT GAMES as a step-up to becoming an Olympic disciple has changed the Aikikai’s perspective. (https://www.worldcombatgames.sport/aikido/). Aikido is a modern Japanese martial ..read more