Although there are many forms of martial arts, Aikido is emerging as one of the most popular. Martial Arts aren’t always about attack, although when people envisage the art they tend to think it is. Aikido emphasises the need for good motion and dynamics of movement rather than instigated attacks, and especially uses the movement of an opponent against him or her.
The basic principle of Aikido is to not fight force with force like some martial arts like Judo techniques for instance, but instead uses a seemingly effortless approach against an opponent with dynamic movement.
Due to Aikido's dynamic nature many martial art specialists will say that there are no real "techniques" or "styles" in practicing the martial art. Morihei Ueshiba can be credited with the development of Aikido, and many students were privileged enough to train under his teachings.
Many students of Morihei were encouraged to create their own dojo after training so to spread the beliefs of the art. Many styles of Aikido were developed from doing this as more and more people gained interest in learning. One principle remains true with all styles and techniques though; to not fight force with force. This is reiterated over and over by Morihei as Aikido techniques can harm or kill if not conducted with care.
Basic techniques that are common to Aikido are carefully taught across the many dojos throughout the world, although the variety of advanced techniques that can be discovered is wide. Many experts will tell you that there are no techniques that are inferior or superior to another as only the individual practicing it can truly say whether the technique works well for them.
10 Common Aikido Techniques
Ikkyo - This is often referred to as the "first technique". It involves a controlled exercise using one hand near the wrist and the other on the elbow to leverage an opponent to the ground. The grip used in this technique applies pressure to the ulnar nerve.
Nikyo - Known as the "second technique" Nikyo involves the application of painful nerve pressure whilst using a wristlock that loops the arm.
Sankyo - This technique directs upward pressure to an opponent's arm in a spiralling fashion. It is known as the "third technique".
Yonkyo - Similarily to Ikkyo this technique uses shoulder control but both hands are required to grip the opponent's forearm. Pressure is applied to the radial nerve of the forearm using the knuckles. Following on from previously mentioned techniques this is known as the "fourth technique".
Gokyo - Another variation of Ikkyo where a hand that is inverted grips the wrist. Gokyo ("fifth technique") is common in weapon take-aways.
Kotegaeshi - This Aikido method is categorized by a wristlock-throw which stretches an opponent's hand and fingers, otherwise known as a "wrist return".
Shihonage - Known as the "four-direction throw" this technique folds the hand back beyond the shoulder to lock the joint.
Iriminage - This technique resembles the form of a "clothesline" move.
Kokyunage - This method is attributed to many of the "timing throws" that flow throughout the duration of an Aikido session.
Tenchinage - This move unbalances the opponent by grabbing both wrists and moving forward with one hand high and the other low. It is also known as the "heaven-and-earth throw".
Aikido is an interesting martial art to become involved in. Take a look at the video to see Aikido techniques in action.
