Kenawase as performed by Kobayashi Yasuo Sensei.

I had a discussion with two teachers about kenawase #7 about whether to ‘cut off Ukedachi’s head’ or to stop at the back of the neck as Kobayashi Sensei does it. One way of thinking is that by mimicking the action of cutting Ukedatchi’s head clean off has negative religious implications. Another way of thinking is that it looks cool. I suppose you should ask your tester what he or she wants. However, Kobayashi Sensei stops at the back of the neck.

O-Sensei, Saito Sensei Sr., and Saito Hitohiro also stop at the head1. In fact, this technique is supposed to be a strike to the head, not the back of the neck at all. A strike to the back of the neck is a completely different technique. If you believe Aikido is for peace, stop at the head too.

Kenawase #7

1. Takemusu Aikido Special Edition: Budo (pgs.128-131) [↩]