Aikido principles & tips
Keep relaxed, whether receiving or doing techniques
Move out of the way of attacks; then off balance partner; then apply technique
Offer and at height to suit you, not your partner
With grips, move as or before contact is made
If uke resists, move around resistance or change technique, don’t power through
Atemi must be sudden, fast, or painful to draw flinch
Atemi to head can be applied early during movement to occupy space where uke wants to move their head to
If partner is taller, you may need a bigger movement to get off-balancing
If partner is shorter you may need less movement when off-balancing, always bring back leg up when shuffle stepping
Keep posture upright to enable you to turn easily; view all around; maintain stability
Apply technique when partner is recovering from off-balancing
Timing of response to attack; 1) in response (late) 2) at same time (blending) 3) in anticipation (before) may dictate technique eg ikkyo variation used
Keep relaxed, whether receiving or doing techniques
Move out of the way of attacks; then off balance partner; then apply technique
Offer and at height to suit you, not your partner
With grips, move as or before contact is made
If uke resists, move around resistance or change technique, don’t power through
Atemi must be sudden, fast, or painful to draw flinch
Atemi to head can be applied early during movement to occupy space where uke wants to move their head to
If partner is taller, you may need a bigger movement to get off-balancing
If partner is shorter you may need less movement when off-balancing, always bring back leg up when shuffle stepping
Keep posture upright to enable you to turn easily; view all around; maintain stability
Apply technique when partner is recovering from off-balancing
Timing of response to attack; 1) in response (late) 2) at same time (blending) 3) in anticipation (before) may dictate technique eg ikkyo variation used