Aikido and its movements are based on sword (Ken) techniques. We often hear that attacks are rooted in the Ken. This concept has been made famous by Saito Morihiro Sensei, 9th dan, and Shoji Nishio Sensei, 8th dan. One of the most basic ken techniques is a deflection called Ukenageashi. This defense will protect your head from a downward cut with the ken. The idea while holding the sword is your arms and elbow comes up above your head and so does the ken. Along with some basic footwork and movement, the ukenagaeshi is an excellent way to blend and deflect power from your attacker.
In the video below from the Aikido Kobayashi Dojo channel, these are 7 basic ken attacks with a partner. One person attacks and the other wins. The Ukenagaeshi ken deflection can be observed in attacks 5, 6, and 7.
Next, let look a how the ukenagaeshi ken deflection can be used as an arm deflection involving empty-handed strikes. In a video below by Lenny Sly Sensei of TenShin Aikido, he teaches how this move can be used successfully under stress. The takeaway for Ukenagaeshi and other types of deflections is that these classical movements can be used for blending, defense, buy time, and be used for transition into follow-up techniques.
To The Reader
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For more information about the Aikido Kobayashi Dojo, visit www.kobayashi-dojo.com/english/
For more information about Lenny Sly Sensei and TenShin Aikido, visit Lenny Sly
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– Prof. “little” Tony Pacenski
Yokota Air Base – Tokyo Japan
www.tonypacenski.com
