This clip is neat because of how Sensei steps for the initial blending of Uke’s katatedori.

In static practice for both omote and ura we usually use atemi and then sidestep to the outside, bring Uke down at the elbow, then do Kobayashi Dojo ikkyo omote or ura.

In this ikkyo omote (nagare with throwing) clip, Ben Sensei clearly blends with Uke by moving to the inside (never to the outside), then takes hold of Uke’s wrist, and steps in right away like Doshu and Aikikai (as illustrated in Budo). That feels natural for omote, even in the static version.

This makes me ask another important question: should a ki-no-nagare version be a recognizable blending version of a static version? or should it be a completely different version to suit the idea of blending? If you reject my second postulate and argue in favor of the first, then should we instead practice so-called static versions like nagare versions, but at lower speeds to get a more Aiki feeling in practice?

Uke Cam!

We loved ki-no-nagare so much that we tried randori gyakuhanmi katatedori ikkyo-nage omote. I run at Andell and take ukemi with the camera in my hand.

Note to uke: Please wipe sweat from hands before attacking to be polite!

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