INTRODUCTION
Initially, learning proper footwork (ashi sabaki), learning to fall and roll (ukemi), and some basic exercises is the focus for a new student in Aikido.
Then, a number of basic principles can be learned. Some people talk of 2 Basic Principles of Aikido: circular motion and the proper use of distance in relation to your partner (ma-ai, or harmony of distance).
Others may talk of 4 Basic Principles: Focus, Keeping weight on the “under-side,” Relax, and Extension of ki.
Still others teach about “pillars” of Aikido, although these sometimes refer also to its historical derivation, that is, its roots in Daito-ryu Aikijujitsu and the Omoto-kyo sect of the Shinto religion.
I guess it’s possible to note, without making any judgement, that many people probably progress through Aikido without much knowledge or concern for the philosophical/spiritual aspects and underpinnings, and concentrate solely on physical technique.
TECHNIQUES
Most of the basic techniques are named as “teachings” or kyo. They are:
Ikkyo (First teaching)
An arm pin or throw, sometimes called ude osae, in which nage, the person performing the technique (literally “thrower”), responds to an attack from uke, the person “receiving” the technique (literally “receiver”).
From various attacks, nage joins with uke’s arm just before the attack accelerates or after it has passed its maximum force. One hand is applied to the elbow and the other to the wrist. In an advanced form, the hand may be folded and twisted to control the wrist with varying degrees of pain.
Nikkyo (Second teaching)
A wrist technique which can be quite painful. It is a somewhat simple and elegant move, but can take much effort to learn, since there is not much to see, and nage is almost totally dependent on feedback from uke to know its effectiveness.
In part this technique’s effect is based on using a very simple fact of anatomy of the wrist. I’ve read that this basis came about from extremely old “battlefield” studies done by medical people of the time studying the bodies of dead warriors. Sitting in my doctor’s waiting room, looking at a skeletal chart on the wall, I was able to verify the basis, also. You are basically taking pushing one set of bones into another causing some considerable amount of pain.
Sankyo (Third teaching)
A wrist technique, also known as kote hineri, which is also quite simple and elegant. Nage rotates the wrist, causing uke to stand up on his or her toes, followed by a throw or pin. This can also be done in more of a lateral mode as part of an ikkyo -type takedown.
Yonkyo (Fourth teaching)
Another wrist technique that basically takes a sankyo and then uses additional direct (rather than twisting) pressure to effect a takedown or throw. Although, some will argue, there are different ways of doing this. The simple, and higher probability of working, move involves pressure on an edge of the wrist in a downward-cutting motion, as with a sword. A nice and more painful (although much more difficult) way involves using the base knuckle of nage’s index finger to press of a nerve on the flat inside area of uke’s forearm, about 3 fingers above the wrist. You’ll feel it when it’s done right! But, therein lies the problem. That nerve is not located in the same spot on everyone, limiting, I feel, its usefulness in real life. One side effect is said to be that pressure on that spot when applied to your own arm, is that it may benefit good blood pressure.
O Sensei: Yes. He was from Kishu Province. When I was staying at Shingu in Wakayama, Mihamahiro was doing well in the Sumo ranks. He had tremendous strength and could lift three raDs which weighed several hundred pounds. When I learned Mihamahiro was staying in town, I invited him to come over. While we were talking Mihamahiro said, "I've also heard that you, Sensei, possess great strength. Why don't we test our strength?" "All right. Fine. I can pin you with my index finger alone," I answered. Then I let him push me while I was seated. This fellow capable of lifting huge weights huffed and puffed but could not push me over. After that, I redirected his power away from me and he went flying by. As he fell I pinned him with my index finger, and he remained totally immobilized. It was like an adult pinning a baby. Then I suggested that he try again and let him push against my forehead. However, he couldn't move me at all. Then I extended my legs forward, and, balancing myself, I lifted my legs off the floor and had him push me. Still he could not move me. He was surprised and began to study Aikido.
A: When you say you pin a person with one finger, do you push on a vital point?
O Sensei: I draw a circle around him. His power is contained inside that circle. No matter how strong a man he may be, he cannot extend his power outside of that circle. He becomes powerless. Thus, if you pin your opponent while you are outside of his circle, you can hold him with your index finger or your little finger. This is possible because the opponent has already become powerless.
Aikido Techniques