Variation on Shihonage

A technique we practised this week is to stand and offer an arm (let's say left), palm up, so that the uke takes it with his left. You then make a big circle from your centre, pushing uke's arm out to put him off balance. Now instead of stepping in (with you right), you go down onto the right knee so that you are applying the shihonage from the kneeling position.

The uke's arm is so wound up tight at this point, that they don't have any choice to circle around you, and you can either keep them close in and bring them down at your left hand side, right next to you, or you can use the energy to project them so they end up further away.

Sensei Chris wanted us to try a lot of the basic techniques this week with an emphasis on flowing, circular movements, and applying very softly using minimal strength, to try to make the techniques work without the help of physical strength. This is a useful break I think, because when you've been practising with the same group for a while you tend to rush through the techniques, and they can be a bit ragged with too much speed and power.

Tags: Aikido, shihonage