We talk about our “do” or path towards learning Aikido. Everything we do in class helps us as we move along that path, although everything we do is not necessarily Aikido, although it could be “Aikido-like.” Aikido is somewhere down that path a bit, a path that starts with kamae and basic movements.

Our basic techniques help us learn the distance aspect of Aikido. The “distance” being considered is all about the spacial relationship between shite and uke.
(Certainly, the uke patiently gives shite all the time in the world for this, so that is not shite’s concern yet.)

One hand grasp side step in throw #1 was one basic technique practiced in today’s class. Shite gets low (the initial crouch), elbow to uke’s chest ( a distance indicator), then extends the lead arm over uke’s shoulder while stepping behind uke (another distance practice that should have uke’s balance).

So the basic technique concepts include getting low in relationship to uke, being a certain distance, then moving the lead arm at a diagonal and forward while at the same time stepping behind uke.

We then tried to incorporate these concepts in a more advanced form of the technique, that is, one in which timing also becomes important.

More advanced techniques build upon the skills learned in basic techniques. They also involve learning other skills more related to timing, such as actually focusing on uke so that shite can respond and react with good timing in a no-mind kind of way.

All good practice!